No fatalities

1995-01-03: De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (P2-IAA) — Islands Nationair — Bili, Papua New Guinea

Bili, Papua New GuineaTakeoff (climb)

On January 3, 1995, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration P2-IAA) operated by Islands Nationair was involved in an aviation accident near Bili, Papua New Guinea during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft veered off the grass runway during the takeoff roll, leading to the loss of the undercarriage. 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 1781208417Data APIEditorial standards

A training flight ended in an aircraft excursion after the plane veered off a grass runway during its takeoff roll.

What happened

During a routine local training mission operating out of Bili Airfield, an aircraft experienced a loss of control during the initial stages of flight. While performing the takeoff roll on a grass-surfaced airstrip, the plane drifted from the intended path of the runway. This excursion caused the aircraft to veer off the strip, resulting in the separation of the undercarriage from the airframe.

The aircraft eventually came to a complete stop after the departure from the runway. Despite the impact, both members of the flight crew were able to exit the wreckage without sustaining any injuries. The incident resulted in zero fatalities and zero injuries.

Findings

While the specific mechanical or environmental triggers were not detailed, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss. The primary factor in the accident was the loss of directional control during the takeoff roll on the unpaved surface.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the grass runway during the takeoff roll, leading to the loss of the undercarriage.