Flight Details
Garuda Indonesia Flight 542 operated as a scheduled passenger service on 3 February 1961. The aircraft departed Surabaya's Juanda Airport at 11:35 pm local time, bound for Balikpapan. After reaching cruising altitude, the flight disappeared from radar screens. It is believed to have crashed into the Java Sea. The crew did not transmit any distress call prior to the disappearance.
Search Efforts
The flight was reported missing the following day around noon. Search and rescue operations were initiated but were eventually suspended after several days. Despite extensive efforts, no trace of the aircraft or its 26 occupants was ever found. The wreckage was never recovered.
Investigation
An official investigation was conducted, but due to the complete lack of physical evidence, it was not possible to determine the exact cause of the accident. The case remains unsolved.