Four dead after military planes crash into mountainside during training

17 November 2023 , 15:22

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The horrific wreckage of a crash that saw four people killed (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Four people are dead after two military planes crashed into a mountainside during a training operation in Indonesia.

Harrowing pictures have shown the chilling aftermath of the smash into Indonesia. Two of the country’s air force Super Tucano planes crashed into Pasuruan, East Java, Indonesia yesterday.

Debris and detritus of the crash were scattered across the mountainside as people tried to recover the wreckage and investigate what took place. Today they are thought to be analysing the data from the flight recorders and planes. Four people, including both pilots and co-pilots of the military aircrafts, died, according to an air force spokesperson.

The crash took place during a training exercise (AFP via Getty Images)

The two Embraer Super Tucano planes took off from East Java city of Malang, on Thursday morning, before they lost contact half an hour later during regular formation training.

"All the bodies have been found," spokesman Agung Sasongko Jati told AFP. "Two are already in the hangar, two are still in transportation to the base. The crash investigation personnel will come and know exactly what happened. They will have the voice communication, flight data, and the engine data and video."

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Rescuers evacuate the body of a victim after an aircraft crash in Pasuruan, East Java province, Indonesia (Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock)

Socialexpat reported that Dani Kusdiantoro, the secretary of the Kedawung Village in Pasuruan witnessed the crash first hand. He was reported as saying he saw two planes flying at low altitudes in foggy conditions shortly before an explosion was heard. One plane is said to have crashed into the cliff as the other came down in a nearby area of protected forest.

The four crew members were said to be: Lieutenant Colonel Pnb Sandhra Gunawan; Colonel Adm Widiono; Major Pnb Yuda A. Seta, and Colonel Pnb Subhan. Agung Sasongkojati, head of the nation's air force, reportedly confirmed that both planes had been taking part in routine exercises and had been in good condition prior to take off.

Other videos shared on social media show the wreckage scattered across the mountainside and forest, as smoke spews from the burning wreckage in one. People nearby can be seen shocked and looking on alarmed. This marks the fourth crash over the past three years.

Kieren Williams