What happened
The incident occurred during the initial climb phase following departure from Port Moresby. Approximately two minutes after liftoff, the floatplane made contact with the terrain on a mountain slope situated on Gemo Island, also known as Hanudamava Island. The impact forces destroyed the airframe, and a subsequent post-crash fire consumed the wreckage. All eight individuals on board were killed in the accident.
Findings
The official investigation determined that the accident was caused by controlled flight into terrain. No specific mechanical failures or external factors were cited as primary contributors in the available findings.