What happened
On 26 July 2020, a Cessna 402C, registered VH-TSI, was involved in an accident near Papa-Lealea, approximately 16 nm northwest of Port Moresby. The aircraft had flown from Mareeba, Australia, and landed at an uncertified, uncommissioned field that had been locally developed for aircraft operations.
Following the landing, the aircraft was refueled using jerrycans and loaded with cargo. During the subsequent takeoff attempt at approximately 12:40 local time, the pilot observed that the airspeed indicator was non-functional and the aircraft failed to achieve a positive rate of climb. The pilot initiated an aborted takeoff, touching down with high speed approximately 400 meters before the end of the strip. The aircraft overran the field and collided with trees. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries, but the aircraft was substantially damaged. Investigators also found that the left wing was later set on fire by third parties on the ground.
The investigation
The investigation examined the airworthiness of the aircraft, the status of the landing strip, and the response to the emergency signal. Investigators confirmed that the aircraft was not airworthy at the time of the accident, noting that its Certificate of Airworthiness had been revoked. The investigation also looked into the use of the uncommissioned field, which local residents believed was being constructed as a road rather than an airstrip. Additionally, the AIC reviewed the handling of the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal by Air Traffic Control (ATC) following the impact.
Findings
- The aircraft was unserviceable and not airworthy at the time of the accident.
- The takeoff attempt failed because the aircraft was unable to achieve a positive rate of climb, potentially due to issues with weight, balance, or center of gravity, though conclusive data on cargo and fuel weight was unavailable.
- The landing strip used was an uncommissioned and uncertified field.
- The outboard section of the left wing was damaged when it clipped a tree during the initial approach to the field.
- ATC staff did not adequately interpret or act upon the ELT distress signal, as the signal was disregarded after confirming that local PNG-registered aircraft were on the ground.