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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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data 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.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jul 1996 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Mendi, Papua New Guinea?

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

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jul 1996 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 20 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jul 1996 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration P2-MBB, operated by Milne Bay Air - MBA, at Mendi, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Controlled flight into terrain while descending in poor visibility.

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