Introduction
On 15 January 2026 at 16:34 local time (06:34 UTC), an ATR 42-500 aircraft, registered P2-KSA and operated by Hevilift Aviation Limited PNG, was involved in a runway excursion during landing at Simberi Airstrip, New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea. The Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) was notified and commenced an investigation.
Occurrence Details
The aircraft was conducting an IFR charter flight from Jacksons International Airport (Port Moresby) to Simberi Airstrip. On board were three crew members (Pilot-in-Command, Co-Pilot, and Cabin Crew) and eleven passengers. The aircraft departed Jacksons Airport Runway 32R at approximately 14:30 local time, climbed to 19,000 ft AMSL, and tracked northeast to Simberi.
According to the PIC's statement, the crew joined a left downwind for landing on Runway 28. The aircraft was fully configured for landing on final approach. On touchdown, the aircraft began to veer to the right. Due to wet surface conditions at the time of landing, the crew lost directional control. The aircraft continued to the right onto wet grass and impacted the airstrip edge drainage ditch and embankment. It came to rest with the nose section in the drainage ditch, heading perpendicular to the runway. The crew shut down the aircraft and evacuated passengers through the main cabin door. No injuries were reported.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft sustained damage to the nose cone, left-hand main landing gear door, and substantial damage to the left-hand wing tip section and left propeller blade.
Crew and Aircraft Information
The Pilot-in-Command, a 48-year-old male Ni-Vanuatu national, held an ATPL-A license. The Co-Pilot, a 50-year-old male Papua New Guinean national, also held an ATPL-A license. The aircraft, an ATR 42-500, serial number 639, was manufactured in France in 2005. It was powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 engines (serial numbers PCE-EB0149 and PCE-EB0159) and fitted with Hamilton Sunstrand 568F-1 propellers (serial numbers 2013070144 and 20080918).
Investigation Status
The AIC is continuing its investigation to understand the reasons for the accident. The analysis, findings, and any contributing factors will be included in the final report. The operator has taken safety actions which are under review with the AIC. As of the preliminary report, no safety recommendations have been issued.