MAROS, JurnalPost.com – A Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighter jet belonging to the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) experienced an incident where it overran the end of the runway at Sultan Hasanuddin Air Base, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi, on Monday (August 24, 2026).
The incident occurred around 11:00 WITA on the western side of the runway, or Runway 13 of Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport. The aircraft was undergoing a series of test flights after completing an overhaul, or heavy-level maintenance.
Head of the Indonesian Air Force Information Service (Kadispenau) Air Marshal I Nyoman Suadnyana explained that the aircraft was not on a regular operational flight. The Sukhoi was undergoing one of the inspection stages, which involved a takeoff simulation on the runway.
The problem arose when the aircraft attempted to brake. The braking system reportedly experienced technical issues and did not function optimally, causing the aircraft to continue sliding past the end of the runway.
As a result, the Sukhoi Su-30MK2 ended up approximately 30 meters beyond the end of the runway.
“There was a technical issue with the braking system, which did not function optimally,” said I Nyoman Suadnyana in his statement on Monday.
All Sukhoi Crew Safe
The TNI AU confirmed that there were no fatalities or injuries among the crew in the incident.
“The aircraft and all crew members are in a safe condition,” emphasized I Nyoman.
As of the time this news was written, the identities of the pilot and crew of the Sukhoi Su-30MK2 who were on board have not been officially announced by the TNI AU. Several official statements and media reports only mentioned that all crew members were safe without disclosing their names.
Because the Su-30MK2 is a two-seat configuration aircraft, this type of plane can be operated with a pilot and crew in a tandem cockpit depending on mission requirements. However, the number and identities of the personnel on board during the incident have not been officially detailed.
Aircraft Evacuated to Hangar
Following the incident, joint personnel immediately conducted handling procedures around the location. Circulating footage shows the aircraft stopped in a grassy area at the end of the runway, while firefighters and relevant personnel were positioned around the plane.
The Sukhoi was subsequently successfully evacuated and towed to the maintenance hangar.
According to the Kadispenau, the aircraft will undergo further inspection before being allowed to continue the testing stages.
This inspection is necessary to determine the overall condition of the aircraft after the overrun, as well as to evaluate the braking system that experienced issues during the takeoff simulation.
Consequently, the Sukhoi will not be immediately returned to flight. The technical team must first ensure that all related components meet safety standards before the aircraft enters the next stage of test flights.
Just Completed Overhaul
The incident occurred when the Sukhoi Su-30MK2 had just completed an overhaul, or heavy-level maintenance.
An overhaul is a comprehensive maintenance process performed to ensure that the aircraft's systems and components are in a condition that meets technical requirements. After this process, the aircraft must undergo a series of inspections and tests before being used for operational activities again.
According to the TNI AU's explanation, the takeoff simulation conducted when the incident occurred was part of the post-maintenance inspection series.
Therefore, the issue with the braking system will be one of the focuses of the technical inspection before the aircraft is declared ready to undergo further testing.
Attracted Attention of Makassar-Maros Road Users
The position of the aircraft, which had gone past the end of Runway 13, made the incident visible from the area around Sultan Hasanuddin Airport. Video footage subsequently spread widely on social media.
In several recordings, the aircraft's body can be seen in the grassy area with officers conducting handling procedures. Smoke was also seen coming from the rear of the aircraft.
The event also attracted the attention of users of the Makassar-Maros Main Road, which is located not far from the airport area. Traffic flow around the location was reported to have experienced congestion.
Commercial Flights Remain Normal
Although the incident occurred in the Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport area, it was confirmed that civil flight operations continued to run.
Acting Branch Communication and CSR Department Head of Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, Taufan Yudhistira, confirmed the joint handling with the TNI AU regarding the incident.
Flight operations were able to continue by utilizing the north-south runway, or Runway 03-21. The airport ensured that flight activities remained smooth.
Reports obtained as of Monday afternoon also stated that no commercial flight schedules were affected by the Sukhoi Su-30MK2 incident.
Sukhoi Based at Sultan Hasanuddin Air Base
Sultan Hasanuddin Air Base is one of the important bases for the TNI AU and serves as the headquarters for Air Squadron 11.
Based on the official profile of the TNI AU, Air Squadron 11 is the home base for the Sukhoi Su-30MK2 and Su-27SKM fighter jets. The unit is tasked with the development of personnel, materiel, and defense equipment, as well as supporting air operation capabilities, including attacks on ground or sea targets and aerial reconnaissance activities.
The Sukhoi Su-30MK2 is part of Indonesia's strategic fighter aircraft strength. The Ministry of Defense noted that the six Su-30MK2s received in 2013 completed the Sukhoi fleet, which at that time at Sultan Hasanuddin Air Base became a single squadron totaling 16 aircraft from the Su-27 and Su-30 families.
Regarding the incident on this Monday, the TNI AU has not officially announced the level of damage to the aircraft or the identities of the crew operating it. The current focus of handling is technical inspection and ensuring the aircraft meets safety standards before entering the next testing stage.
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