Engine failure and subsequent water impact of Cessna Grand Caravan in Papua New Guinea

3 fatalities • Kibeni, Papua New Guinea • Landing (descent or approach)

A Tropicair charter flight experienced total engine power loss during cruise, leading to an emergency landing attempt and subsequent impact with a river in the Western Province.

What happened

On 25 November 2013, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, registered P2-SAH, was operating a charter flight from Kamusi to Purari River under instrument flight rules. The aircraft, operated by Tropicair, was carrying ten people, including one pilot and nine passengers. Shortly after reaching an altitude of 9,000 feet, the pilot heard a loud noise followed by a complete loss of engine power.

Following the engine failure, the pilot transitioned the aircraft to a glide speed of 95 knots and directed the flight toward the coast. A passenger assisted by activating the Emergency Locator Transmitter and broadcasting a distress signal. While attempting to locate a suitable landing site using GPS, the crew tried to restart the engine following established procedures, but the engine remained non-functional. The pilot identified the Kibeni airstrip as a potential landing site and began a left-hand approach.

During the final approach, the aircraft maintained a higher speed than normal, causing it to float significantly down the 430-meter disused runway. After bouncing several times, the pilot attempted to clear trees located on the slope leading toward the river by pulling back on the controls. This maneuver caused the aircraft to strike a coconut palm. In an effort to avoid trees on the opposite bank, the pilot banked the aircraft sharply before impacting the water. The aircraft landed inverted, with the forward section submerged.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power due to a loud mechanical event.
  • The landing attempt at the overgrown Kibeni airstrip resulted in an excessive float and subsequent bounces.
  • The pilot's attempt to clear vegetation at the end of the runway led to a strike with a palm tree and the final impact with the river.

Probable cause

The engine failure during cruise led to an unsuccessful emergency landing attempt on an overgrown airstrip, resulting in a tree strike and subsequent impact with the river.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-11-25 Cessna 208B Grand Caravan accident near Kibeni, Papua New Guinea?

A Tropicair charter flight experienced total engine power loss during cruise, leading to an emergency landing attempt and subsequent impact with a river in the Western Province.

Were there any fatalities in the 2013-11-25 Cessna 208B Grand Caravan accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-11-25 involved a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, registration P2-SAH, operated by Tropicair, at Kibeni, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure during cruise led to an unsuccessful emergency landing attempt on an overgrown airstrip, resulting in a tree strike and subsequent impact with the river.

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