On December 13, 2002, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration P2-CBB) operated by Island Airways - PNG was involved in an aviation accident near Tep Tep, Papua New Guinea during takeoff. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft collided with terrain in the Finisterre Mountain Range during the initial climb phase after departing Tep Tep Airstrip. 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.
A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a cliff in the Finisterre Mountain Range shortly after departing from the Tep Tep Airstrip, resulting in no survivors.
What happened
During the first-ever flight operating from the recently established Tep Tep Airstrip, a twin-engine aircraft encountered a fatal collision. Shortly after departing from the runway, the aircraft struck a cliff face situated within the Finisterre Mountain Range. The impact was severe, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe.
There were eight fatalities recorded in the accident, as all occupants on board perished during the crash. The incident occurred during the initial climb phase following takeoff.
Findings
No specific technical findings or contributing factors were provided regarding the mechanical state of the aircraft or the specific actions of the crew prior to the impact with the terrain.
Probable cause
The aircraft collided with terrain in the Finisterre Mountain Range during the initial climb phase after departing Tep Tep Airstrip.