What happened
On August 9, 2008, a Pilatus Porter PC-6 B2-H4, registered PK-RCZ, was conducting a charter mission for the Association of Mission Aviation (AMA). The flight originated from Wamena, Papua, with the intention of transporting a medical patient from Taive II. After completing cargo unloading at Taive II, the aircraft departed for NduNdu, Papua, at 1106 UTC.
The flight was being conducted under visual flight rules (VFR). However, when the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination by 1213 UTC, a search operation was initiated by authorities in Wamena. The search effort involved personnel from AMA, Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), and Yajasi. While search teams successfully detected the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal from PK-RCZ, heavy weather conditions prevented rescuers from reaching the wreckage immediately.
On August 10, 2008, at approximately 0520 local time, the wreckage was located at an elevation of 6,400 feet within the NduNdu Pass area. The site was situated on the slope of an 11,000-foot mountain, approximately 200 feet east of the planned southerly track. The pilot, who was the only person on board, sustained fatal injuries in the accident.
Findings
Search teams identified the crash site along the aircraft's intended flight path. The wreckage was found at coordinates 03° 26’ 08” S, 138° 21’ 58” E, positioned on a steep mountain slope near the NduNdu Pass.