No fatalities

Madang Airport Runway Excursion (VH-PNA)

Madang, Papua New GuineaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 30, 1972, a Douglas DC-3 (registration VH-PNA) operated by Ansett Airlines of Papua New Guinea was involved in an aviation accident near Madang, Papua New Guinea during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Technical problems with the brakes. 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)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane veered off the runway to the left after touchdown at Madang Airport due to brake issues. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair, but there were no casualties.

Incident Overview Following its landing at Madang Airport, the aircraft experienced significant difficulties in decelerating. The plane subsequently lost control, veered off the runway to the left, and eventually came to a stop. The incident resulted in no injuries or fatalities among those on board, but the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it beyond repair. ## Official Findings The investigation concluded that the accident was likely the result of technical problems with the aircraft's braking system. These brake issues prevented the plane from slowing down properly after touchdown, leading to the loss of control and the subsequent runway excursion.

Probable cause

Technical problems with the brakes

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Oct 1972 Douglas DC-3 accident near Madang, Papua New Guinea?

An airplane veered off the runway to the left after touchdown at Madang Airport due to brake issues. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair, but there were no casualties.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Oct 1972 Douglas DC-3 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Oct 1972 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration VH-PNA, operated by Ansett Airlines of Papua New Guinea, at Madang, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Technical problems with the brakes