History of the Flight
On 1 September 2025, a helicopter registered PK-RGH, an MBB BK-117 D3, operated by PT. Eastindo Services, was scheduled to conduct an unscheduled passenger flight from Gusti Sjamsir Alam Airport (WAOK), Kotabaru, to Tjilik Riwut Airport (WAGG), Palangka Raya, under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). On board were one pilot, one engineer, and six passengers.
Prior to departure, the engine fire bottle indicator illuminated in the cockpit. The pilot shut down the engine, and all occupants disembarked. Following inspection by the engineer, no evidence of fire or extinguisher discharge was found. The electrical connector of the fire detection system was cleaned, and after an engine restart, the warning light extinguished. The helicopter then departed at 0045 UTC (0845 local time) for Palangka Raya.
The pilot reported to Sjamsir AFIS that the estimated time of arrival was 1010 local time. The Aeronautical Communication Officer (ACO) instructed the pilot to report "10 minutes out." At 0854 local time, the pilot reported accordingly and was advised to establish contact with Banjarmasin APP. At 0858 local time, the pilot informed Sjamsir Alam Info that communication with Banjarmasin APP could not be established. The ACO then instructed the pilot to report when 30 NM from Kotabaru, which the pilot acknowledged. This was the last recorded communication from PK-RGH.
After losing contact, the ACO notified Banjarmasin APP, which then escalated the situation to BASARNAS. The uncertainty phase (INCERFA) was declared at 1109 local time, and the distress phase (DETRESFA) at 1242 UTC. The search and rescue operation commenced at 1320 local time.
The last ADS-B data, recorded at 0903 local time, showed the helicopter at an altitude of 2,725 ft with a groundspeed of 118 knots on a heading of 295°, at coordinates 03°05′14.10″ S, 115°37′56.40″ E.
Wreckage and Impact
On 3 September 2025, the wreckage of PK-RGH was found on a ridgeline approximately 600 meters from the last ADS-B position, at an elevation of 2,200 ft, at coordinates 03°05′06.00″ S, 115°37′39.70″ E. The main fuselage was destroyed by post-impact fire, and the tail section was located separately uphill at coordinates 03°05′06.71″ S, 115°37′42.62″ E at an elevation of 2,400 ft.
Injuries and Damage
All eight occupants sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by post-impact fire. No other damage was reported.
Ongoing Investigation
The Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT) is continuing the investigation. Safety recommendations have been issued to the aircraft operator and the Air Traffic Services provider. Further findings may be released as the investigation progresses.