Asia-Pacific

Indonesian transport plane crashes, 5 killed

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-02-12 21:04

JAKARTA, Indonesia - Officials say an Indonesian light transport plane has crashed on Bintan island after undergoing engine maintenance, killing all five people on board.

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A Transportation Ministry spokesman, Bambang Ervan, says the Cassa 212 turboprop plane belonging to Sabang Merauke Raya Air Charter was carrying three technicians and two pilots on a test flight after the engine maintenance when it crashed Saturday.

He says the plane took off from Batam island near Singapore.

Rescue officials say the bodies of three of the victims have been recovered.

Indonesia has a reputation for poor safety standards and maintenance. It has been hit by a series of plane, train and ferry accidents in recent years that have killed hundreds.