2 fatalities

Twin-Engine Cargo Aircraft Strikes Mountain in Papua New Guinea (P2-KAD)

Lae, Papua New GuineaFlight

On June 20, 1987, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration P2-KAD) operated by Kiunga Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Lae, Papua New Guinea in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine cargo plane carrying coffee from Ogeranang to Lae struck a mountain slope at 8,700 feet in marginal weather. Both pilots were killed. The wreckage was found 32 km from Lae. Official cause: controlled flight into terrain.

Accident Overview

A twin-engine aircraft conducting a cargo flight from Ogeranang to Lae impacted the slope of a mountain in the Rawlinson Mountain Range. The airplane was cruising at an altitude of 8,700 feet in marginal weather conditions at the time of the accident. The wreckage was located approximately 32 kilometers from Lae.

Occupants and Cargo

The aircraft was carrying two pilots and a load of coffee. Both occupants were killed in the accident. The cargo consisted of coffee beans being transported as part of a routine freight operation.

Official Findings

The probable cause of the accident was determined to be controlled flight into terrain. No other causal factors were identified in the official investigation.

Location and Circumstances

The accident site was situated in the Rawlinson Mountain Range, a rugged and remote area. The aircraft had been cruising at 8,700 feet before striking the mountain slope. The marginal weather conditions likely reduced visibility, but the official report did not elaborate further on weather specifics.