Fatal aircraft accident near Alotau Airport

15 fatalities • Alotau, Papua New Guinea • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed into shallow water off the coast of Alotau during its initial climb, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During the early stages of flight following departure from Alotau Airport, the aircraft experienced a sudden fire and a subsequent explosion. While performing the initial climb, the plane lost stability and entered an uncontrolled descent. The wreckage eventually impacted shallow water located approximately 2 km away from the shoreline.

Upon impact, the force of the crash resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were no survivors among the 15 fatalities recorded on board the aircraft.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced an onboard fire and explosion during the climb phase.
  • The sequence of events led to an unrecoverable descent into the sea.

Probable cause

An in-flight fire and explosion during the initial climb phase led to the loss of control and subsequent crash.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-07-12 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Alotau, Papua New Guinea?

An aircraft crashed into shallow water off the coast of Alotau during its initial climb, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1995-07-12 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 15 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-07-12 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration P2-MBI, operated by Milne Bay Air - MBA, at Alotau, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An in-flight fire and explosion during the initial climb phase led to the loss of control and subsequent crash.

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