Hanin Marwah, Jakarta – A Smart Air caravan aircraft with registration number PKS-NR was reportedly shot at today, Wednesday, January 11, 2026. The shooting occurred during the aircraft landing at Korowai Batu Airport from Tanah Merah, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua.

The Head of Public Relations of the Papua Regional Police, Commissioner Cahyo Sukarnito, stated that at the time of the shooting, the aircraft was carrying around a dozen passengers. "The aircraft was piloted by Captain Egon Erawan and Co-pilot Captain Bas Koro, with 13 passengers on board," Cahyo said in his statement on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

He explained that the aircraft departed from Tanah Merah Airport at 10:35 a.m. local time. The plane was shot from the forest area beside the airport runway during landing.

Authorities were informed that the pilot and co-pilot were declared dead due to gunshot wounds, but all 13 civilian passengers on board survived. The passengers took refuge in the nearby forest when shots were heard from the direction of the trees alongside the runway.

"The Boven Digoel Police received information about casualties from the attack, namely two individuals who are suspected to be the pilot and co-pilot," he said.

The police are working closely with the Cartenz Peace Operation to handle the Smart Air shooting, and will send a team to the location.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2086631/smart-air-plane-shot-at-during-landing-in-papuakilling-tw