20 fatalities

Aircraft Collision with Terrain Near Mendi Airport (P2-MBB)

Mendi, Papua New GuineaLanding (descent or approach)

On July 9, 1996, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration P2-MBB) operated by Milne Bay Air - MBA was involved in an aviation accident near Mendi, Papua New Guinea during landing or approach. 20 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain while descending in poor visibility. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft struck a mountainside 8 km from Mendi Airport's runway threshold during approach in poor visibility, killing all 20 occupants.

Incident Overview During an approach to Mendi Airport, the crew of a twin-engine aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions characterized by rain and limited visibility. The aircraft subsequently impacted the slope of a mountain situated 8 km from the runway threshold. ## Impact and Casualties At the time of the collision, the aircraft was at an altitude of 9,200 feet. The impact caused the aircraft to disintegrate, resulting in the deaths of all 20 occupants on board. ## Official Findings The investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain while the aircraft was descending in poor visibility.