Jakarta – Prontt.com, The search and rescue (SAR) team reported that the BK117 D3 helicopter, which lost contact near Mandin Damar Waterfall in Mentewe, Tanah Bumbu District, South Kalimantan, was seen emitting white smoke and flying at a low altitude before crashing in a mountainous area.
“Based on search developments, a teacher and several students witnessed the helicopter flying low while releasing smoke. This was beyond the initial point of last contact according to flight radar data,” said Head of the Banjarmasin SAR Office, I Putu Sudayana, here on Tuesday.
He explained that the joint SAR team would follow up on the new location by conducting both air and ground operations, with ground personnel trekking toward the mountain believed to be the last point where smoke was observed.
“The team will try to find access through the forest and reach the other side of the mountain. We hope they can find a route soon, and we ask for everyone’s prayers so the helicopter can be located quickly,” Sudayana said.
South Kalimantan Governor Muhidin said the regional leadership forum had initially planned to conduct an aerial survey of the suspected crash site but canceled it due to heavy rain.
He noted that joint SAR teams have carried out several operations since Monday, using both aerial patrols and ground searches on foot. While waiting for updates and better weather, the governor said he is monitoring the situation from Banjarbaru.
“The area is covered by thick clouds, making it difficult for helicopters to descend. It is also a vast, untouched forest, which makes access very challenging,” Muhidin said.
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