Background
A photographic survey flight departed Lae for the Wewak area, carrying a pilot, a navigator, and a photographer. Unfavorable conditions for photography led to a decision to return to Lae.
Approach and Clearance
Five minutes before arrival, the crew contacted Lae tower and received landing instructions for Runway 32. The wind was reported as 300 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots. Just before turning onto the base leg, the aircraft was cleared to perform a practice asymmetric landing. The crew was warned to expect turbulence on the final approach, which they acknowledged.
Accident Sequence
Witnesses observed the aircraft entering the final approach from a right-hand base leg with the left propeller feathered, flying at a very low altitude. Approximately 300 yards from the end of the strip, a marked increase in engine power was heard. Immediately following this, the aircraft rolled to the left and dived into the water, coming to rest in a partly inverted attitude.
Crew and Passenger
The aircraft was occupied by pilot Allen Motteram, navigator Patrick Murphy, and photographer Gordon Murrell. All three perished in the accident.