An Indonesian Army Mi-17V5 helicopter crashed during a wildfire suppression mission in Central Kalimantan on Wednesday, 4 November, resulting in fatalities and injuries among its eight crew members.
The aircraft, registered HA-5235 and operated by the Indonesian Army Aviation Centre (Penerbad), was supporting aerial firefighting operations near Tanjung Puting National Park when it crashed in waters near Sungai Perlu village, Seruyan Regency.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation reported three fatalities and five personnel receiving medical treatment. However, regional military commander Major General Zainul Arifin separately confirmed two deaths, five survivors and one crew member missing.
The differing casualty figures had not been reconciled in the official information available at the time of writing.
Accident During Firefighting Operations
According to an Indonesian Army statement, the helicopter departed Kuala Pembuang at approximately 9:55 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB). The Ministry of Transportation separately reported a departure time of 10:20 a.m.
The aircraft was assigned to conduct water-bombing operations in the Tanjung Puting National Park area.
At approximately 11:17 a.m., air traffic services received information that the helicopter had crashed while conducting a water collection operation.
Emergency Response and Investigation
The Indonesian Army and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) launched rescue and recovery operations following the accident.
Basarnas deployed six divers from its Palangka Raya search and rescue office to assist with the evacuation.
Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation coordinated with the military, Basarnas, AirNav Indonesia and relevant airport authorities in supporting the emergency response.
Preliminary police reporting referred to technical difficulties during the water collection operation. However, the cause of the crash has not been established, and no final investigation findings have been announced.
The accident highlights the operational challenges associated with aerial firefighting, particularly during low-altitude water collection and delivery operations.
MyAviation Magazine will continue monitoring official developments, including confirmation of the final casualty figures and the findings of the accident investigation.
