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Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)
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  5. 1997/12 - SilkAir 185 Search Operations
Second generation (1985 to 2005)

1997/12 - SilkAir 185 Search Operations

Exercise/Operation

SilkAir 185 Search Operations

Helicopters

AS-332 Super Puma

Year

1997

The RSAF joined SilkAir 185 search operations in Indonesia, supporting recovery efforts after the tragic crash near Palembang.

At about 8.20pm on 19 December 1997, news broke that a SilkAir Boeing 737-300 carrying 46 Singaporeans had crashed near Palembang in Indonesia. Unfazed by the crisis, the SAF launched a large-scale operation involving hundreds of personnel from all three Services. Two Super Pumas from 126 Squadron were among the RSAF aircraft deployed to Palembang.

What was initially a Search and Rescue mission to locate survivors quickly turned into a Search and Recovery operation that lasted three weeks. Aircraft parts and personal effects were ferried from the crash site to Palembang; the Super Pumas also ferried people and supplies to the crash site. The search was made more difficult by the murky waters of the Musi River, where the flight had crashed. Most of the wreckage was recovered from the river within an area of about 60m by 80m.

Pilot in cockpit with headset, looking toward open cargo door revealing sky.

An RSAF airman keeping a close eye on the vast Musi River during the Search and Recovery operation.

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