Indonesia Plane Crash: Pilot called for help seconds before the tragedy

Jakarta : Moments before the Lion Airlines operated plane crashed into sea waters the pilot had made a chilling call for help, asking permission to return on the airport.

Head of the search and rescue operation Danang Priandoko told local media that the pilot Bhavya Suneja, asked to return to the Jakarta Airport moments after the plane took off.

As per information received so far, the plane indicated a high rate of descent during last 3,000 feet height.

Edward Sirait, chief executive of Lion Air Group, told Reuters: "We cannot give any comment at this moment,"

"We are trying to collect all the information and data."

The crashed airplane was just two months old and was being operated by the Lion Airlines since August.

Its pilot and co-pilot had together amassed 11,000 hours of flying time, Lion Air said in a statement.

Manufacturer Boeing is aware of the airplane accident reports and is "closely monitoring" the situation, its spokesman told Reuters.

A total of 189 passengers, including 20 employees of Indonesia Finance Ministry, were on board when Boeing 737 MAX crashed into sea waters.