Aircraft impact on Mt Giluwe during cruise

4 fatalities • Mt Giluwe, Papua New Guinea • Flight

A twin-engine airplane crashed into the slope of Mt Giluwe while flying in poor visibility and marginal weather conditions.

What happened

During a flight at an altitude of 10,250 feet, a twin engine airplane collided with the northeastern side of Mt Giluwe, which reaches an elevation of 14,346 feet. At the time of the impact, the aircraft was operating in marginal weather conditions characterized by low visibility and the presence of cumulonimbus clouds reaching up to 9,000 feet.

Reports indicate that the aircraft was not following its intended flight path at the time of the accident. While it was suggested that an alternative route should have been utilized, the specific reason why the plane drifted off track remains unidentified.

Findings

Official investigations into the crash concluded that the cause of the accident could not be determined.

Probable cause

The cause of the crash remains undetermined by official investigators.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1972-09-01 Short SC.7 Skyvan Variant accident near Mt Giluwe, Papua New Guinea?

A twin-engine airplane crashed into the slope of Mt Giluwe while flying in poor visibility and marginal weather conditions.

Were there any fatalities in the 1972-09-01 Short SC.7 Skyvan Variant accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1972-09-01 involved a Short SC.7 Skyvan Variant, registration VH-PNI, operated by Ansett Airlines of Papua New Guinea, at Mt Giluwe, Papua New Guinea.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the crash remains undetermined by official investigators.

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