On August 29, 1986, a Cessna 402 (registration P2-GKP) operated by Talair was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Otto, Papua New Guinea in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck trees and crashed during a descent in poor weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft crashed into a mountainside on Mount Otto during its descent to Goroka, resulting in injuries to all onboard.
What happened
During an approach to Goroka Airport, the aircraft entered a descent toward its destination under challenging meteorological conditions. While navigating through marginal weather, the plane collided with trees and impacted a slope on Mount Otto, situated approximately 15 km northeast of the airport.
All three occupants sustained injuries during the impact. The aircraft was completely destroyed in the accident.
Findings
The descent was conducted while operating in marginal weather conditions.
The collision with vegetation preceded the final impact on the mountainside.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck trees and crashed during a descent in poor weather conditions.