Accident Overview
On 23 April 2025, a Cessna T188C aircraft, registered VH-SOY, suffered a ground impact during low altitude operations near Sangkiang Village in the Ramu area of Madang Province. The aircraft was operated by Ramu Agri Industries Limited and contracted by Liddles Aerial Spraying Pty Ltd. According to the accident investigation report by the Accident Investigation Commission (AIC), the aircraft was engaged in aerial spraying operations, with the flight track originating from sugar cane fields and proceeding to the accident site. The nearby Gusap Airstrip and surrounding sugar fields are depicted in the report.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a subsequent post-impact fire. Evidence of localized vegetation damage was observed around the accident site. The fuel filter exhibited blackened soot marks, and the rear fuselage area, where the battery was installed, was identified. The wreckage distribution and impact sequence were documented in the investigation.
Investigation
The AIC conducted an investigation under case number AIC 25-1002, releasing the final report on 18 May 2026. The analysis included corrosion analysis of the airframe fuel filter. The report listed findings related to the aircraft, pilot, survival aspects, flight operations, operator, flight recorders, wreckage and impact information, and medical information. No probable cause was stated in the provided source. The AIC issued recommendations to Ramu Agri Industries Limited and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea.