On July 25, 1995, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration P2-TNT) operated by Transniugini Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Karimui, Papua New Guinea during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine shortly after takeoff due to fuel exhaustion; the fuel tank was empty and the pilot had not refueled after previous flights. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
Shortly after takeoff from Karimui Airfield, the left engine failed due to fuel exhaustion, causing the aircraft to roll left and crash near the runway. Both occupants died.
Accident Sequence
Shortly after departing from Karimui Airfield, while in the initial climb phase, the left engine ceased operating. The aircraft rolled to the left and subsequently impacted the ground near the end of the runway. The two individuals on board sustained fatal injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the left engine failed shortly after takeoff due to fuel exhaustion. It was established that the fuel tank connected to the affected engine was empty at the time of the accident. Furthermore, the pilot had completed other flights during that day between Karimui and Kundiawa and back without adding any fuel, leading to the fuel exhaustion.