2 fatalities

2004-07-29: De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (P2-MBA) — Airlines PNG — Ononge, Papua New Guinea

Ononge, Papua New GuineaFlight

On July 29, 2004, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration P2-MBA) operated by Airlines PNG was involved in an aviation accident near Ononge, Papua New Guinea in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying through clouds during a diversion maneuver. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781200220Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside while attempting to divert to an alternative airfield due to adverse weather conditions.

What happened

During an approach toward Ononge, the flight crew encountered deteriorating weather conditions. In response to the low visibility, the decision was made to redirect the flight to Yongai Airfield, situated approximately 27 km northeast of their original destination.

While the twin engine aircraft was maintaining a cruising altitude of 2,286 metres within cloud cover, it impacted the slope of a mountain. Emergency responders were unable to reach the crash site until one day after the impact occurred.

The accident resulted in two fatalities, involving both pilots on board. One crew member, the loadmaster, sustained serious injuries during the collision.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified that the flight was operating in obscured conditions at the time of the impact. The primary factor contributing to the crash was controlled flight into terrain.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying through clouds during a diversion maneuver.