Tour helicopter has unplanned landing in Lombok, three foreign tourists reportedly injured
A tour helicopter operated by Fly Bali had an unplanned landing near Lombok International Airport in West Nusa Tenggara yesterday. Three foreign passengers were reportedly injured in the landing, which, while details remain sparse, we have to imagine was a rough one.
According to a report from Tribun-Bali, the helicopter lost contact with air traffic control at around 2pm, while it was en route to land at Lombok International Airport.
“The helicopter was manned by one pilot, and had a total of three passengers,” Elfi Amir, an official from the airport, told Tribun-Bali.
A rescue team was dispatched once they received a report on the accident, Elfi said, adding that the passengers were foreign tourists from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Chile.
The pilot, Capt. Kustiyadi, was reportedly in good condition, while the passengers sustained minor injuries. They were immediately brought to Praya Hospital for treatment.
According to a report from CNN Indonesia, the helicopter belonged to Bali-based PT Carpediem Air, which provides chartered helicopter service under the brand Fly Bali to destinations such as Lombok and the Gili Islands, as well as the Uluwatu coastline. As shown on their website, the company offers the service for pretty hefty prices ranging from IDR 9.8 million (USD 703) to IDR 55 million (USD 3,948), depending on the trip’s duration and destination.
Attempts by Coconuts Bali to reach the air operator have thus far been unsuccessful.
Local media reported that an investigation into the accident will take place today.
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