What happened
On January 9, 2026, at approximately 0845 local time, a PAC 750 XSTOL aircraft with the registration P2-SDA was operating out of Kanabea Airstrip in Papua New Guinea. Following its landing approach, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control on the runway surface. This loss of control caused the aircraft to depart the paved area, resulting in a runway excursion that led to structural damage to the airframe.
The investigation
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) of New Zealand initiated an inquiry primarily for administrative purposes to support the Papua New Guinea Accident Investigation Commission (AIC). As New Zealand is the State of Manufacture for the PAC 750 XSTOL, TAIC acted as an Accredited Representative under ICAO Annex 13 provisions. This role allowed them to provide technical assistance and expertise to the lead investigating authority in Papua New Guinea.
Findings
The primary event identified was the loss of directional control immediately after touchdown. This mechanical or operational failure directly caused the aircraft to leave the runway boundaries, leading to the subsequent damage recorded in the incident.