Introduction
On 26 July 2020, at 12:46 local time (02:46 UTC), a Cessna 402C aircraft, registered VH-TSI, collided with trees during an aborted take-off at an uncommissioned field near Papa-Lealea, approximately 16 nautical miles northwest of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged.
Sequence of Events
The pilot departed Mareeba Airport in Queensland, Australia at 09:30 local time, tracking north-northeast with a planned track slightly left of Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby. As the aircraft neared the southern shoreline in the Caution Bay area, the pilot diverted left and tracked northwest along the coast to avoid flying over villages. He then crossed over land before turning back to approach the intended landing field.
During the approach, the outboard section of the left wing was clipped by a tree and separated from the aircraft. The pilot continued the approach and landed on the field at approximately 12:20. After shutdown, the aircraft was refueled with jerrycans of AvGas and loaded with cargo by persons on the ground. The pilot estimated that 800 meters of field would be required for take-off.
At about 12:40, the pilot lined up and commenced take-off from the southern end of the field. After lift-off, he noticed the airspeed indicator was not working and observed that the aircraft was not achieving a positive rate of climb. He pulled the throttles back and maneuvered back toward the ground. The aircraft touched down at a speed the pilot described as higher than normal, with about 400 meters of field remaining. It continued off the end of the field into bushes, clipping trees before coming to rest.
Investigation Findings
The investigation confirmed that the fire to the left wing and engine was a deliberate post-accident event. The pilot was later arrested, and a load of 500 kilograms of cocaine distributed in 28 bales was found at the scene.
Tire marks indicated that the aircraft touched down about 400 meters before the end of the field, leaving insufficient distance to stop. The investigation determined that the separation of the outboard left wing section, caused by tree impact during approach, affected the left wing's ability to produce lift. The actual weight and balance of the aircraft could not be conclusively determined due to unknown fuel quantity/quality and cargo weight/distribution. However, the evidence did not allow investigators to discard overweight, balance, or center of gravity issues as factors.
The aircraft was found to be not airworthy at the time of the accident and was unserviceable for the flight. There was no proper document control for scheduled maintenance and no record of a certificate of airworthiness.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the separation of the outboard section of the left wing, clipped by a tree during the approach to land phase, affected the ability of the left wing to produce lift. The investigation could not conclusively determine the actual weight and balance of the aircraft. The evidence did not allow the AIC to discard overweight, balance, or center of gravity issues due to improper loading or restraint of cargo as factors contributing to the inability to obtain a positive rate of climb. The aircraft was not airworthy and lacked proper documentation, including a certificate of airworthiness.