What happened
The flight departed Lorengau Airport under dark conditions with the destination set for Biak-Sorido. During the initial climb phase, the four-engine aircraft struck a wooded hill located in close proximity to the airfield. The impact forces and subsequent post-crash fire destroyed the airframe. There were no survivors among the 21 occupants, who comprised the crew and passengers.
Findings
Investigations indicated that a series of procedural errors by the flight crew contributed to the accident. Following takeoff, the pilot initiated a right turn while climbing to an altitude of 500 feet. Standard airport procedures required reaching a minimum safe altitude of 1,000 feet and maintaining a time interval of at least 45 seconds after lift-off before executing such a maneuver. Additionally, the retraction of flaps occurred prematurely for reasons that could not be precisely determined, which hindered the aircraft's ability to gain altitude. Poor visibility inherent to night operations was also identified as a contributing factor.