The aircraft was carrying 11 when it seemed to disappear into thin air A PLANE has lost contact with air traffic control after locals heard a loud explosion. The aircraft mysteriously vanished in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, as it was flying to Makassar. Please provide a valid email. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email. The ATR 42-500 had left Yogyakarta and was on its way to Makassar today, but contact was mysteriously lost with aircraft around 12 miles into its flight. Flight data shows the moment the plane seemed to vanish into thin air. And locals reported hearing a noise that “sounded like burning material” before a loud explosion. A huge search effort has begun to find the missing aircraft, after a plane crash last year killed four in the country’s Central Papua province. Read more in world news SCARY INTRUSION Gutwrenching Greg Biffle 911 call as family dealt cruel blow after death CRASH TRAGEDY Toddler among five dead after navy plane carrying burn patients crashes The missing plane was reported to be carrying three passengers and eight crew members when it lost contact with air traffic control, vanishing from radar systems. Rescue teams have been sent to the site where the plane is thought to have crashed to look for survivors. Footage posted on social media seems to show fiery debris on a mountain near the last confirmed location of the plane. Officials said three teams and a total of 60 people are scouring the area. Moment China practices 'decapitation’ drills to mimic capture of Taiwan leaders 1,500 troops 'on standby' as ICE protesters build 'rapid response' force Debris found in hunt for missing plane which crashed 'killing 11 onboard' Starmer rejects calls to cancel King's US visit over Trump tariff threats Director General of Air Transport, Lukman Laisa, said controllers lost contact with the captain as they attempted to bring the plane back on course. The official said: “The aircraft was identified not to be on the approach path it should have been, so the air traffic control gave a redirection to the crew to correct the position. “Air traffic control then conveyed several further instructions. The instructions aimed to bring the plane back to the landing. “After the submission of the last instructions, communication with the plane was lost. “Following up on this condition, air traffic control declared an emergency phase in accordance with the applicable provisions and procedures.” Officials said the aircraft was flying low over the ocean, which limited contact with the ATR 42-500. The last signal from the missing plane was received at 11:20am local time, about 12 miles northeast of Yogyakarta airport. The plane never arrived at its planned destination of Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, leaving families of those onboard searching for answers. The missing aircraft was owned by Indonesia Air Transport, which specialises in charter flights for oil and gas businesses. The plane was on a long-term contract for the government’s Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance service before it vanished. It comes after a Russian military plane crumbled mid-air last month, before crashing into a reservoir. RECOMMENDED STORIES The mysterious crash killed all seven on board after the tail section of the aircraft suddenly detached while the plane was in the air. Moment China practices 'decapitation’ drills to mimic capture of Taiwan leaders 1,500 troops 'on standby' as ICE protesters build 'rapid response' force Debris found in hunt for missing plane which crashed 'killing 11 onboard' Starmer rejects calls to cancel King's US visit over Trump tariff threats