What happened
On the morning of the accident, a flight departed from Goroka at 08:52 local time. The aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 7,500 feet while en route to Kainantu. As the flight neared its destination, the weather conditions began to worsen, characterized by low cloud cover and significantly reduced visibility.
Despite the declining environmental conditions, the captain proceeded with the approach to the airfield. During this phase of flight, the aircraft collided with a tree and subsequently crashed approximately 5 km from the Kainantu airstrip. The accident resulted in eight fatalities, including both pilots and six passengers, while three individuals sustained injuries.
Findings
Investigation into the crash determined that the primary factor was the pilot's decision to continue the approach despite the deteriorating weather. The crew failed to maintain a position that would allow for a safe diversion or an aborted approach while still keeping visual contact with the surrounding terrain.