Fatal aircraft accident near Selbang, Papua New Guinea

28 fatalities • Selbang, Papua New Guinea • Flight

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Selbang during a scheduled flight, resulting in the deaths of all 28 people on board.

What happened

A scheduled flight operating from Tabubil to Selbang ended in a fatal accident after the aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions. The flight was transporting 26 passengers and two crew members when the aircraft moved over the Olsobip region. During the flight, the crew encountered a cloud layer ranging in altitude from 4,000 to 10,000 feet, which significantly reduced visibility.

While maintaining an altitude of 6,400 feet within these clouds, the twin engine aircraft collided with a mountain slope. The impact occurred approximately 9 km south of the destination, Selbang. The collision resulted in the total destruction of the airframe and caused 28 fatalities, leaving no survivors among the passengers or the crew.

Findings

The aircraft was operating in poor visibility due to heavy cloud cover.
The flight was in the en route phase when it struck terrain at 6,400 feet.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying through clouds with limited visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-12-17 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Selbang, Papua New Guinea?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Selbang during a scheduled flight, resulting in the deaths of all 28 people on board.

Were there any fatalities in the 1994-12-17 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 28 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-12-17 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration P2-MFS, operated by Mission Aviation Fellowship - MAF, at Selbang, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?