No fatalities

Engine failure leads to crash near Minj Airstrip (VH-BNT)

Minj, Papua New GuineaTakeoff (climb)

On August 23, 1955, a Noorduyn Norseman (registration VH-BNT) operated by Gibbes Sepik Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Minj, Papua New Guinea during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine stopped functioning due to the aircraft running out of fuel. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced an engine failure during its initial climb following takeoff from Minj Airstrip, resulting in a crash and pilot injuries.

What happened

During the early stages of flight departing from Minj Airstrip, an aircraft experienced a critical loss of power. While the aircraft was performing its initial climb immediately after departure, the engine ceased functioning properly.

This mechanical failure led to an aerodynamic stall. Unable to maintain altitude or control, the aircraft descended into a nearby field. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe and caused injuries to the pilot. No other occupants were reported on board during this incident.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary reason for the engine failure was fuel exhaustion, which left the engine without the necessary propellant to continue the climb.

Probable cause

The engine stopped functioning due to the aircraft running out of fuel.