Eight killed in helicopter crash in Indonesia

ALBAWABA- All eight people on board a helicopter were confirmed dead after the aircraft crashed in a remote forested area of West Kalimantan in Indonesia on Thursday, authorities said.

The Airbus H130 T2 helicopter, registered PK-CFX and operated by PT Matthew Air Nusantara, disappeared shortly after takeoff before crashing in dense forest in Nanga Taman District, Sekadau Regency.

Officials said the aircraft departed at approximately 07:34 local time from a plantation helipad in Melawi Regency and was en route to Kubu Raya near Pontianak when contact was lost at around 08:39. Its last known position was near Desa Tapang Tingang.

Search and rescue teams from Basarnas, supported by police, military personnel, and local volunteers, immediately launched an operation. Aerial reconnaissance later located wreckage deep in the forest, including parts of the helicopter’s tail section.

Ground teams reached the crash site after navigating difficult terrain and confirmed that all eight occupants had died at the scene. The victims included two crew members, the pilot and co-pilot, and six male passengers linked to plantation operations in the region.

Authorities said the cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Investigators from Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee are expected to examine the wreckage, flight data, and weather conditions as part of the inquiry.

Mohammad Syafii, head of Basarnas, confirmed the recovery of all victims and extended condolences to the families, as evacuation efforts continued late into Thursday.