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Crew member missing after Indonesian firefighting helicopter crashes

A water-bombing helicopter operating in South Kalimantan went down in the latest aviation incident to strike Indonesia. The crash marks the second helicopter accident in the region within days.

LSN Malaysia · 8 November 2026

Crew member missing after Indonesian firefighting helicopter crashes

Search and rescue operations were underway in South Kalimantan following the crash of a firefighting helicopter, with one crew member reported missing. The aircraft, deployed for water-bombing operations, came down in a remote area, prompting immediate emergency response efforts.

Details surrounding the circumstances of the crash remain under investigation. Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact cause of the incident or confirmed the status of other personnel aboard the helicopter.

The incident represents the second helicopter accident to occur in the broader Borneo region in recent days. A military helicopter crashed off the coast days earlier, resulting in three fatalities and raising fresh concerns about aviation safety in the area.

The string of accidents has prompted increased scrutiny of helicopter operations across the region. Indonesian aviation authorities are expected to review safety protocols and operational procedures for aircraft engaged in emergency response missions.