Background
The flight was planned to depart Giramben at 12:40 local time, tracking north for Simbai Airstrip in Madang Province at an altitude of 9,000 feet above mean sea level. The aircraft was loaded by NCA ground handlers following the pilot's instructions. The manifest was completed by one ground handler who stated that the loading was performed by other ground handlers while he completed the manifest in a vehicle, as no proper shed was available. The pilot observed variable winds from the north and east at the time loading was completed and passengers had boarded.
Flight Events
The aircraft commenced taxiing at 12:44. During the takeoff roll, at the expected airborne point approximately 500 meters down the runway, as airspeed approached 60 knots, the right wheel encountered a soft spot on the strip, dramatically reducing momentum and speed. Eyewitnesses reported the aircraft briefly becoming airborne then returning to the ground. The pilot realized he had passed the nominated committal point, identified during onsite activities as approximately 540 meters from the threshold of runway 16. He elected to continue the takeoff roll at full power, hoping to regain speed and get airborne on the remaining strip. The pilot recalled reaching the end of the runway and becoming airborne again at an airspeed of 50 knots; however, the right wheel caught on barbed wire of the perimeter fence that crossed the runway, and the aircraft subsequently impacted terrain. The pilot stated he lost consciousness at the time of initial impact and had no further recollection.
Investigation
The investigation determined the aircraft became airborne approximately 19 meters past the end of runway 16, but its main landing gear caught on the perimeter fencing wire. The aircraft then impacted the ground about 100 meters from the runway end, continued with momentum, and came to rest in a local village garden approximately 160 meters from the runway end. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces. The pilot and passengers were rescued by locals and taken to Nazarene General Hospital in Jiwaka Province for treatment. The pilot, a male adult, and an infant sustained serious injuries; a female passenger sustained minor injuries.
The official probable cause cited the following factors: The pilot did not complete a trim sheet for the flight. The manifest was completed by a ground handler not present during loading, was unsigned, and was not authorized by the pilot before departure. The pilot lacked supervision of the loading process to ensure correct loading within prescribed limitations, likely resulting in an overweight departure. Wet strip surface conditions created significant resistance during takeoff, impeding the aircraft's ability to reach required lift-off airspeed. The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff roll after passing the committal point. Training deficiencies of ground handlers and the pilot. Lack of adequate quality assurance system oversight on the operator's standard operating procedures.