Approach and Landing
The crew initiated an approach to Madang Airport runway 25 following an uneventful flight from Lae. Due to limited visibility from night and poor weather conditions, including heavy rain, the captain determined that conditions were not suitable for landing and executed a go-around. After a short holding pattern, the crew began an approach to runway 07.
Overrun and Evacuation
The aircraft touched down 300 meters beyond the runway threshold. On a wet surface, the aircraft could not stop within the remaining distance, overran the runway, and came to rest in a ravine. Because of torrential rain, all 39 occupants chose to remain inside the aircraft and were evacuated only a few dozen minutes later. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation found the probable cause to be the crew adopting a wrong approach configuration, which caused the aircraft to land 300 meters past the threshold, reducing the available landing distance. Contributing factors reported include: all conditions not met for a safe landing, wet runway surface, poor braking action, poor weather conditions, limited visibility, aquaplaning, and poor flight and approach planning.