Wreckage found in Indonesia crash
Tuesday, 4 August 2009 7:00 AM
Indonesian islands
Wreckage from a missing Merpati Nusantara plane which disappeared over Indonesia has been located, according to airline officials.
The Twin Otter plane disappeared on route from Jayapura to Oksibil on Sunday with three crew and 13 passengers, including two babies, onboard. The region is densely forested, raising fears the wreckage may prove impossible to locate.
However, following a search by helicopter Merpati chief director, Bambang Bhakti, revealed: "The tail of the plane was spotted at (21:00 GMT)."
The crash site is located near the Ampisibil village in Bintang Mountains.
There is little chance of survivors being located at this stage, with all passengers and crew feared lost. All were Indonesian.
Indonesian airlines have been heavily criticised by the European Union. While Garuda, Mandala Airlines, Airfast Indonesia and Premiair were recently removed from those banned from entering EU airspace, all other carriers remain banned.
travelbite.co.uk staff
