Fatal aircraft accident near Karimui Airfield

10 fatalities • Karimui, Papua New Guinea • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside during its approach to Karimui Airfield, resulting in the loss of all ten people on board.

What happened

A flight traveling from Kundiawa toward Karimui Airfield ended in a fatal accident when the aircraft impacted a mountain slope. During the descent phase of the flight, the pilot encountered adverse weather conditions characterized by low cloud cover. While navigating through these obscured conditions, the pilot initiated the descent earlier than intended. The twin engine airplane subsequently struck terrain located a short distance from the destination airfield.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating in poor visibility due to low clouds.
  • The accident occurred because of a premature descent into mountainous terrain.

Probable cause

The pilot began descending too early while flying in low cloud cover, leading to controlled flight into terrain.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1984-01-14 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Karimui, Papua New Guinea?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside during its approach to Karimui Airfield, resulting in the loss of all ten people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1984-01-14 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1984-01-14 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration P2-ISH, operated by Talair, at Karimui, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot began descending too early while flying in low cloud cover, leading to controlled flight into terrain.

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