What happened
A single-engine Fox Moth was operating a supply mission from Port Moresby to Kokoda, transporting various goods including mail, bread, frozen meat, and holiday parcels. During the flight, the pilot attempted to navigate the difficult terrain by climbing over The Gap and traversing ridges near Lake Myola.
While attempting to clear a final ridge, the aircraft encountered a powerful downdraft rather than the expected updraft. In an effort to maneuver around the surrounding hills and avoid the descending air, the pilot entered a spin. The aircraft subsequently struck a tree, resulting in heavy damage to the front of the cabin and pushing the engine toward the cockpit area.
Despite the destruction of the airframe, the pilot survived the impact with only minor injuries, specifically a bleeding forehead. Following the crash, the pilot initially attempted to trek through the jungle via the Kokoda Trail but eventually returned to the wreckage after being spotted by a searching DC-3. The pilot remained in the cockpit for two nights until a ground search team arrived.
Findings
The accident was driven by the aircraft being caught in a downdraft during its approach over the ridges.