Dual engine failure during approach to Kiunga

2 fatalities • Kiunga, Papua New Guinea • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight diverted to Kiunga due to bad weather ended in a crash after both engines failed during the approach.

What happened

A cargo operation flying from Port Moresby toward Tabubil Airport was forced to change course due to adverse weather. During the descent, the crew encountered difficult meteorological conditions, prompting a decision to divert the flight to Kiunga instead.

As the aircraft was performing its approach to Kiunga, the right engine experienced a failure. This was followed a short time later by a failure of the left engine. Deprived of power, the aircraft lost altitude and impacted trees approximately 5 km from the airport.

There were two fatalities and one survivor among the crew. The aircraft, which was being operated under a lease to the Vanimo Trading Company, was destroyed in the impact.

Findings

  • The flight was diverted from its original destination due to poor weather conditions.
  • The sequence of events involved a total loss of power following the failure of both engines during the approach phase.

Probable cause

The loss of both engines during the approach to Kiunga led to the aircraft striking trees.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-07-01 De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou accident near Kiunga, Papua New Guinea?

A cargo flight diverted to Kiunga due to bad weather ended in a crash after both engines failed during the approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 1995-07-01 De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-07-01 involved a De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou, registration P2-VTC, operated by Garamut Aviation, at Kiunga, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of both engines during the approach to Kiunga led to the aircraft striking trees.

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