What happened
A chartered flight operating a Pacific Aerospace PAC P-750 XTOL was performing a transport mission from Kiunga to Golgubip, carrying cargo and six passengers. During the arrival phase at the destination, the pilot performed an orbital maneuver to position the single-engine aircraft for landing. As the aircraft was on its final approach, the pilot elected to abort the landing and began a go-around procedure.
During this maneuver, the aircraft struck the ground approximately 500 metres northwest of the Golgubip airstrip. The impact caused substantial damage to the airframe. While the six passengers remained uninjured, the pilot sustained serious injuries and required medical treatment in Golgubip before being airlifted to Tabubil for hospital care.
Findings
Investigations into the accident highlighted several environmental and operational factors. The terrain surrounding the Golgubip airstrip rises steadily to the north-northeast, a landscape that can create visual illusions regarding altitude and distance. Additionally, the pilot was operating in an area known for poor weather and was navigating to a location they had not previously visited. Notably, the GPWS alarm remained active throughout the final approach until the moment of impact.