In-flight fire leads to aircraft destruction near Bereina

No fatalities • Bereina, Papua New Guinea • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced an in-flight fire while cruising at 12,000 feet, resulting in a heavy fire upon landing and the total loss of the airframe.

What happened

During a flight at a cruising altitude of 12,000 feet, the crew identified an active fire on board the aircraft. After notifying ground controllers of the emergency, the flight crew decided to divert the plane toward Bereina to perform an emergency landing.

Despite efforts by the crew to suppress the flames during the descent, the fire could not be contained. The aircraft arrived on the ground while actively burning and eventually came to a halt amidst heavy flames. All three crew members successfully evacuated the aircraft without injury. Following the landing, the wreckage continued to burn for approximately 24 hours, which resulted in the total destruction of the airplane.

Findings

Investigations into the incident suggest that the fire originated from improperly packed chemicals being transported on board.

Probable cause

The fire was triggered by the unstable or incorrect packaging of chemical substances within the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1961-04-08 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Bereina, Papua New Guinea?

An aircraft experienced an in-flight fire while cruising at 12,000 feet, resulting in a heavy fire upon landing and the total loss of the airframe.

Were there any fatalities in the 1961-04-08 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1961-04-08 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration VH-PAT, operated by Papuan Air Transport - Patair, at Bereina, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The fire was triggered by the unstable or incorrect packaging of chemical substances within the aircraft.

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