What happened
During an approach to Lae-Nadzab Airport, a twin engine aircraft underwent a landing gear failure, forcing the crew to perform a belly landing on the runway. Upon contact with the surface, the aircraft slid for several dozen meters along the runway before the movement ceased.
There were zero fatalities and zero injuries reported among the two occupants on board. While the crew managed to exit the aircraft safely, the airframe sustained significant damage. The structural impact of the landing was severe enough that the aircraft was declared a total loss, being damaged beyond repair.
Findings
- The aircraft completed its slide on the runway without further excursion.
- The primary issue involved the failure of the landing gear to deploy or lock properly.