Two Indonesian Super Tucano Aircraft Crash, 4 Crew Killed

Two Brazil-made EMB-314 Super Tucano counterinsurgency (COIN) aircraft from the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU)’s 21st Squadron crashed in two separate locations inside the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java on November 16.

The Air Force has deployed the Accident Quick Response Team (AQRT) to the crash sites of the two Super Tucano aircraft in Pasuruan, East Java. The incident occurred during routine formation training on Thursay, leading to the tragic deaths of four officers.

The AQRT, hailing from the Airworthiness and Work Center of the Indonesian Air Force, is conducting an initial investigation into the crash. The Air Force aims to analyze various technical and operational aspects to identify the causes and implement corrective measures to prevent future incidents.

The Head of the Air Force Information Service, Marsma TNI R. Agung Sasongkojati, reported that the two EMB-314 Super Tucano aircraft crashed during routine formation training at 11:18 local time on Thursday. The aircraft, with tail numbers TT-3111 and TT-3103, lost contact after taking off from Abdulrachman Saleh Air Base in Malang. Adverse weather conditions at the time are noted as a factor in the incident.

Agung explained that the two Tucanos were flying in formation alongside two similar planes under unfavorable weather conditions that significantly limited the pilots' visibility.

"Due to safety concerns, two of the planes attempted to break away from the formation by ascending above the clouds," Agung stated. Unfortunately, contact was lost with the pilots of the other two aircraft, prompting the safe return of the remaining planes to the Malang base. Shortly after, reports of the crash were received.