Jakarta. The ultralight aircraft that crashed and killed a high-ranking officer during a routine exercise above Bogor on Sunday belonged to the Indonesian Aero Sport Federation (FASI), the Air Force has said.

The incident killed Air Commodore Fajar Adriyanto, a decorated officer who was also a former F-16 fighter pilot known by his call sign "Red Wolf", and injured the co-pilot

Air Force spokesman Air Commodore I Nyoman Suadnyana confirmed that the aircraft involved in the crash was a civilian training plane -- a Microlight Fixed-Wing Quicksilver GT500 -- operated by FASI.

According to the statement, the aircraft took off from the Atang Sendjaja airstrip at 9:08 a.m. as part of a routine training program aimed at maintaining flight proficiency among senior pilots.

“We lost contact with the aircraft at 9:19 a.m., and it was later discovered to have crashed near the Astana Public Cemetery,” Suadnyana said.

The co-pilot was identified only by the name Roni, but the spokesman did not confirm whether he is a member of the armed forces.

“This training exercise was part of a regular program to maintain the flight skills of FASI personnel. The aircraft had passed its airworthiness checks, and the crash occurred during its second sortie of the day,” he added.

“The Indonesian Air Force extends its deepest condolences following this tragic incident. The spirit, dedication, and exemplary service of Air Commodore Fajar Adriyanto will continue to inspire future generations to safeguard Indonesia’s skies,” Suadnyana said.

Fajar was his predecessor, serving as the Air Force spokesman between May 2019 and November 2020.

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The story has been corrected to reflect the correct type of aircraft. We apologize for the previous mistake.

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