'Small plane crashes in Indonesia, 3 feared dead'

A small plane crashed in Indonesia's Kalimantan Island, with its three crew-feared dead, local media reported.

A small plane crashed in Indonesia's Kalimantan Island on Saturday, with its three crew-feared dead, local media reported.

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The Cassa 212-200, which disappeared on Saturday enroute to a district in East Kalimantan, was found completely destroyed in the jungle, Harmoniadi, a local search and rescue official, told ElShinta radio.

The plane belonged to a small carrier, Dirgantara Air Service, which was grounded last year by Indonesia's Air Transport Directorate General for failing to meet minimum safety standards.

The company's area manager, Ramli Siregar, told the radio that the aircraft had been transporting solar energy equipment with a pilot, co-pilot and mechanic on board. The plane had left from Tarakan in East Kalimantan.

Indonesia's flight safety record has come under the spotlight following a string of recent fatal accidents.