Date & Time:
Jul 9, 1996 at 1630 LT
Type of aircraft:
De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter
Operator:
Registration:
P2-MBB
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Bosavi – Mendi
MSN:
290
YOM:
1970
Country:
Papua New Guinea
Region:
Oceania
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
2
Pax on board:
18
Pax fatalities:
18
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
20
Circumstances:
While approaching Mendi Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions with limited visibility due to rain falls. At an altitude of 9,200 feet, the twin engine aircraft struck the slope of a mountain located 8 km from the runway threshold. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and all 20 occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Controlled flight into terrain while descending in poor visibility.
