On July 29, 1995, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration P2-MBM) operated by Provincial Air Transport was involved in an aviation accident near Fane, Papua New Guinea during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft experienced a loss of altitude during the final approach phase, leading to a ground impact short of the runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A twin-engine aircraft sustained significant damage after striking the ground short of the runway threshold during its final approach at Fane Airport.
What happened
During the final approach to runway 19 at Fane Airport, a twin engine aircraft experienced a loss of altitude. The aircraft impacted the ground a few meters before reaching the runway threshold. Following the impact, the plane came to a stop in an inverted position.
There were 12 injuries reported among the occupants of the aircraft. The impact resulted in the aircraft being a total loss.
Findings
The accident occurred on runway 19, which is characterized by a length of 1,480 meters and a 12-degree slope.
Due to the specific configuration of the airfield, operations for takeoff and landing are restricted to a single direction.
The aircraft lost height prior to reaching the runway threshold.
Probable cause
The aircraft experienced a loss of altitude during the final approach phase, leading to a ground impact short of the runway.