What happened
On the morning of the accident, a single-engine aircraft departed from Wasu Airfield at 10:12 local time. The flight was operating as a charter service destined for Lae-Nadzab Tomodachi Airport, with an expected arrival time of 10:47 local time. The flight was carrying five individuals, consisting of one pilot and four passengers, which included a representative from the Housing Ministry and a member of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.
Shortly after the departure from Wasu, while the aircraft was maintaining an altitude of 8,400 feet, it encountered marginal weather conditions. During this phase of flight, the plane struck trees and crashed into a region characterized by hilly and wooded terrain located southwest of Wasu, near Sapmanga. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airplane. There were five fatalities and no survivors among the occupants.
Findings
At the time of the accident, the aircraft was operating in marginal weather conditions while cruising through hilly, forested terrain.