Introduction
On 10 February 2023, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, registration P2-HFA, operated by Helifix Operations Ltd, was involved in a runway excursion during landing at Eliptamin Airstrip in Sandaun Province, Papua New Guinea. The Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) of Papua New Guinea investigated the occurrence.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, a single-engine turboprop utility aircraft. The report notes that the aircraft was equipped with an Appareo Vision 1000 recording device. The airworthiness and maintenance details, as well as weight and balance information, were examined.
Aerodrome Information
Eliptamin Airstrip is located in Sandaun Province. The report provides general information, airstrip data, topography data, and onsite observations. The operator's route guide specified additional requirements for operations into this airstrip.
Investigation Findings
The AIC's investigation covered several areas including the pilot's qualifications and recent history, aircraft airworthiness, weather conditions, flight operations, organisational management, and safety systems. The report's findings are categorized under Aircraft, Pilot, Flight Operations, Operator, Air Traffic Services and Airstrip Facilities, Flight Recorders, Medical, Survivability, and Safety Oversight.
Safety Recommendations
The AIC issued three safety recommendations to Helifix Limited: recommendation AIC 23-R17/23-1002, AIC 23-R18/23-1002, and AIC 23-R19/23-1002.