Editor’s Note
- Pelita Air plane, suspected of carrying fuel, crashes in Kalimantan
- Plane crashes on the Indonesia-Malaysia border in the Krayan Highlands
- Special flight with fuel on board, operated by a single pilot
- Residents see plumes of black smoke rising from the fuselage toward the mountains
Pelita Air plane, suspected of carrying fuel, crashes in Kalimantan
A Pelita Air plane crashed Thursday afternoon (February 19, 2026) in the Krayan area, Nunukan district, North Kalimantan.
Amateur video taken by local residents shows smoke rising from the suspected crash site, located between the villages of Long Nawan and Long Bawan.
Initial information indicates that the plane was carrying fuel en route to Krayan.
Plane crashes at the Indonesia-Malaysia border in Krayan Highlands
Pelita Air plane, suspected of carrying fuel, crashes in Kalimantan
Pelita Air has issued a statement regarding the plane crash at the Indonesia-Malaysia border, specifically in Krayan Highlands, Nunukan, North Kalimantan, on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Patria Rhamadonna, company secretary of Pelita Air, explained that the plane involved was a charter flight operated by the company.
“We want to inform you that the investigation and coordination with the involved parties are currently underway,” she said.
Special fuel flight with only one pilot
She further explained that the flight was a cargo flight transporting fuel.
At the time of the incident, the plane was operated by only one pilot, with no cabin crew or passengers.
Pelita Air emphasized that all official developments will be communicated periodically through the company’s official channels so that the public can follow the latest updates on this incident.
Residents see thick plume of black smoke from plane heading towards mountains
Meanwhile, the crash of a Pelita Air charter plane caused a stir among locals after thick plumes of smoke were seen billowing from the mountainous area.
A witness, Jerry, a resident of Pa’ Bettung village in Eastern Krayan, said he saw the plane flying overhead, with thick plumes of black smoke.
“The plane flew over my village. I don’t know if it was a passenger plane or a tanker,” Jerry said.
Shortly afterward, the plane crashed and a loud bang was heard. He estimated the crash site to be in the Pa’ Ramayo mountain forest, about a two-hour drive from the village.
Jerry then took out a loudspeaker to warn residents and contact local authorities.***
