History of the Flight
On 16 April 2026, at 0734 local time, an Airbus Helicopters EC130 T2 registered PK-CFX departed from CMA landing spot in Melawi to GAN1 landing spot in Kubu Raya, via Nanga Pinoh Airport, for an unscheduled passenger flight chartered by a palm oil plantation company. The helicopter was dispatched within weight and balance limits, and no system malfunctions were reported prior to departure. The filed ATC flight plan indicated a cruising altitude of 1,500 feet.
After takeoff, the helicopter entered Jakarta Sector airspace (Class G, uncontrolled). The flight was monitored by the Helicopter Landing Officer in Jakarta and the Operational Control Center officer in Balikpapan via the Spidertracks flight-following system. At 0812 LT, the Spidertracks system showed no further movement from the helicopter. The last recorded position was at coordinates 0°10'51.91" S, 110°47'25.49" E. Attempts to contact the helicopter were unsuccessful.
At 0839 LT, an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal from PK-CFX was received by the Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), transmitting from a forested area about 80 nautical miles east of Supadio Airport, Pontianak. Search and rescue efforts were initiated with assistance from local police, air force, army, and residents. At 1402 LT, the wreckage was located approximately 1.7 nautical miles west of the last reported position, in hilly terrain at an elevation of about 1,500 feet.
Injuries to Persons
All eight occupants on board—one pilot and seven passengers, including one company aircraft engineer—sustained fatal injuries. The accident was not survivable.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was destroyed. Details of specific damage are not provided in the preliminary report.
Personnel Information
The pilot held a Commercial Pilot License for Helicopter (CPL-H). Further details are not available in this preliminary report.
Aircraft Information
The helicopter was an Airbus Helicopters EC130 T2, registration PK-CFX. It was equipped with engines and collision avoidance systems (HTAWS). The report notes no pre-departure malfunctions.
Meteorological Information
Satellite imagery was included in the flight dispatch document, but specific weather conditions at the time of the accident are not detailed in the preliminary report.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The wreckage was found in hilly terrain. The impact site and wreckage distribution are described in Figures 3 and 4 of the report. No fire was reported.
Additional Information
The investigation is ongoing, with participation from the French BEA as the State of Design and Manufacture. The KNKT has issued safety recommendations to the operator based on preliminary findings. Safety actions taken by the operator are noted in the report.