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11 fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Mountain Near Goroka Airport (P2-RDS)

Goroka, Papua New GuineaLanding (descent or approach)

On April 14, 1992, an Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante (registration P2-RDS) operated by Talair was involved in an aviation accident near Goroka, Papua New Guinea during landing or approach. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: For unknown reasons, the crew initiated the descent prematurely, causing the aircraft to descend below the MDA. Lack of visibility was a contributing factor. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft struck a mountain slope while descending to Goroka Airport in marginal weather, killing 11 occupants and seriously injuring 4 passengers.

Incident

A twin-engine aircraft collided with a mountain slope during its descent to Goroka Airport. The accident occurred near Daulo Pass, approximately 16 kilometers from the airport, while the flight was operating in marginal weather conditions.

Casualties

Four passengers sustained serious injuries. Eleven other occupants were killed.

Investigation

The official investigation determined the probable cause: For unknown reasons, the crew initiated the descent prematurely, causing the aircraft to descend below the minimum descent altitude (MDA). Lack of visibility was a contributing factor.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Apr 1992 Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante accident near Goroka, Papua New Guinea?

A twin-engine aircraft struck a mountain slope while descending to Goroka Airport in marginal weather, killing 11 occupants and seriously injuring 4 passengers.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Apr 1992 Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 11 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Apr 1992 involved an Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante, registration P2-RDS, operated by Talair, at Goroka, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

For unknown reasons, the crew initiated the descent prematurely, causing the aircraft to descend below the MDA. Lack of visibility was a contributing factor.

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