What happened
During the final approach phase to Sarmi Airport, the flight crew communicated that the aircraft was experiencing engine-related difficulties. Shortly after this report, the aircraft lost altitude and impacted the water approximately 400 metres from the runway threshold. Following the impact, the wreckage was located 100 metres away from the shoreline.
Findings
Search and rescue operations resulted in the survival of three passengers. However, the accident resulted in 15 fatalities among the other occupants of the aircraft. The primary factor identified during the descent was engine problems reported by the crew prior to the loss of altitude.