Update: Indonesian 737-500 crashes with more than 60 people onboard
Update 1/10/21: As The New York Timesreports, Indonesian authorities have located items of clothing and aircraft debris near the presumed crash site. Additionally, Boeing has released an initial statement, saying "We are aware of media reports from Jakarta regarding Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182. Our thoughts are with the crew, passengers, and their families. We are in contact with our airline customer and stand ready to support them during this difficult time."
Americans are waking up to the news of another presumed Boeing 737 crash, during a domestic flight between Jakarta and Pontianak in Indonesia. Sriwijaya Air flight SJY 182 was reported to be carrying 50 passengers and 12 crew members. The aircraft lost radar contact around 2:40 p.m. local time, or 2:40 a.m. Eastern Time.
The flight was operated by a previous-generation Boeing 737-500 — not the plagued 737 MAX, which just resumed flying in the United States.
Sriwijaya Air flies almost exclusively within Indonesia, with the exception of Dili in East Timor (DIL), where the carrier offered service to Bali (DPS), Jakarta (CGK) and Surabaya (SUB) before the pandemic.
The aircraft and its passengers are tragically presumed lost, though, for the time being, the airline has only confirmed that the plane has "lost contact."
According to Google Translate, the airline's statement reads as follows:
We confirm that the SJ-182 flight route from Jakarta to Pontianak has lost contact today, January 9, 2021 at 14:40 WIB. Our aircraft is manned by 6 active crew. As for the details of the passengers on flight SJ-182 are 40 adults, 7 children, 3 babies and 6 crew members as passengers. Our prayers go out to all our passengers and crew and their families. To date we continue to coordinate with relevant authorities and provide all the support needed. For family and relatives, please contact the following hotline numbers: 021-8063 and 021-8063 7817.
According to Flightradar24 data, the flight lasted roughly four minutes, with the aircraft taking off from Jakarta and climbing to 10,900 feet before a rapid decent. The 737's final contact was at 250 feet with a ground speed of 358 knots, or 412 miles-per-hour.
The flight was reportedly operated by PK-CLC, a more than 26-year-old Boeing 737-500. According to registration data, the aircraft began its flying career with now-defunct Continental Airlines, where it flew passengers within the U.S. for more than 15 years before making its way to United Airlines and eventually Sriwijaya Air, which took possession of the then 18-year-old plane in 2012.
According to fleet reports, Sriwijaya Air currently operates a total of three 737-500s, along with much newer aircraft, including five Boeing 737-800s and a 737-900. The carrier has parked a handful of other Boeing 737s during the pandemic.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.