4 fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Strikes Mount Giluwe in Marginal Weather (VH-PNI)

Mt Giluwe, Papua New GuineaFlight

On September 1, 1972, a Short SC.7 Skyvan Variant (registration VH-PNI) operated by Ansett Airlines of Papua New Guinea was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Giluwe, Papua New Guinea in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the accident could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 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

A twin-engine airplane struck the northeastern slope of Mount Giluwe while cruising at 10,250 feet in marginal weather conditions with clouds up to 9,000 feet and poor visibility. The pilot was reported off the intended route for an unknown reason.

Incident Overview

While cruising at an altitude of 10,250 feet under marginal weather conditions, a twin-engine airplane struck the northeastern slope of Mount Giluwe, which rises to 14,346 feet. At the time of the accident, clouds (cumulonimbus) were present up to 9,000 feet, and visibility was poor.

Circumstances

It was reported that the pilot should have followed an alternative route, but for reasons not determined, the aircraft was off track. The impact occurred on the mountain's northeastern slope.

Investigation

The official investigation concluded that the cause of the accident could not be determined. No further details about the aircraft, occupants, or injuries were provided in the source material.

Probable cause

The cause of the accident could not be determined.