What happened
During a flight traveling from Rennell Island toward Bellona Island, a twin engine airplane encountered severe weather conditions. While the aircraft was in its cruise phase of flight, it became uncontrollable amidst heavy storms. The plane subsequently impacted the ocean surface in the waters near Bellona Island.
There were no distress signals transmitted by the crew prior to the impact. The accident resulted in 11 fatalities, with no survivors reported from the wreckage.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in stormy weather at the time of the incident.
- The flight transitioned from a stable cruise into an uncontrolled descent.
- The loss of control occurred while navigating through turbulent atmospheric conditions.