What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was conducting an inaugural flight from Salamaua to Wau Airport. The primary objective of this specific leg was the transport of mail. Upon arrival, the pilot initiated the landing sequence. During the touchdown phase, a critical mechanical issue arose when one of the landing gear units failed.
This structural failure immediately compromised the aircraft's stability on the ground. As a result, the machine went out of control and veered off the paved runway surface. The airframe continued to move until it came to a complete stop in the surrounding terrain. Despite the severity of the deviation from the runway, both individuals on board managed to evacuate the fuselage safely without sustaining injuries. However, the impact and subsequent movement caused extensive structural damage, rendering the aircraft beyond repair.
Findings
The official investigation concluded that the primary factor leading to the accident was the gear failure experienced during the landing roll. This mechanical defect directly resulted in the loss of directional control, forcing the aircraft off the designated landing area.