Simbu (Chimbu) | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

Shortly after takeoff from Karimui Airfield, while in initial climb, the left engine failed. The aircraft rolled to the left and crashed near the runway end. Both occupants were killed.

Probable cause:

Failure of the left engine shortly after takeoff due to fuel exhaustion. It was reported that the fuel tank connected to the engine was empty at the time of the accident and that the pilot already completed other flights during the day between Karimui and Kundiawa and back without adding fuel.

Crash of a Britten-Norman BN-2A-20 Islander near Karimui: 10 killed

Date & Time: Jan 14, 1984 at 1100 LT

Type of aircraft:

Britten-Norman Islander

Operator:

Registration:

P2-ISH

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Site:

Mountains

Schedule:

Kundiawa - Karimui

MSN:

757

YOM:

1975

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

While descending to Karimui Airfield on a flight from Kundiawa, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions. In low clouds, he started the descent prematurely when the twin engine airplane struck the slope of a mountain located few km from Karimui. All 10 occupants were killed.

Crash of a De Havilland DH.84 Dragon in Kerowagi

Date & Time: Apr 2, 1951

Type of aircraft:

De Havilland DH.84 Dragon

Operator:

Registration:

VH-BDB

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Schedule:

Kerowagi – Wau

MSN:

2063

YOM:

1943

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

The aircraft failed to gain height after takeoff and crashed. Three occupants, among them the pilot, were seriously injured. The aircraft was written off. Investigators found that the aircraft was overloaded by at least 18 kilograms and had 8 passengers and 2 crew, when only certificated to carry 6 passengers. Only 4 seat belts were fitted and no passengers were wearing seat belts. Unsecured freight was carried behind the passengers, moving forward on impact and hitting the passengers. The pilot had not completed a load sheet or calculated the centre of gravity. The tailwind on takeoff exceeded the maximum allowable for Kerowagi Airfield.

Probable cause:

The aircraft failed to become airborne when taking off from an airstrip at high density altitude due to incorrect technique on the part of the pilot in that he failed to adjust the mixture controls to obtain maximum engine power.

Crash of an Avro 652A Anson 1 in Kerowagi

Date & Time: May 11, 1949

Type of aircraft:

Avro 652 Anson

Operator:

Registration:

VH-BBZ

Flight Phase:

Takeoff (climb)

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

During a downwind takeoff roll at Kerowagi Airfield, the left main gear hit a drain and collapsed. The aircraft went out of control, veered off runway to the left and came to rest. The pilot Neville Mitchell was slightly injured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Crash of a Douglas DC-2-243 in Kerowagi

Date & Time: Mar 16, 1949

Type of aircraft:

Douglas DC-2

Operator:

Registration:

VH-ARC

Flight Type:

Scheduled Revenue Flight

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Plain, Valley

MSN:

2089

YOM:

1939

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

Crashed in unknown circumstances. No casualties.

Crash of a De Havilland DH.84 Dragon in Mingende: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 31, 1948

Type of aircraft:

De Havilland DH.84 Dragon

Operator:

Catholic Mission of the Holy Ghost

Registration:

VH-AMO

Flight Phase:

Landing (descent or approach)

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Site:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Schedule:

Wewak – Mingende

MSN:

2067

YOM:

1943

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

Crashed in flames while landing in Mingende. The aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire and the pilot John Glover was killed. He was the father of the Catholic Mission of the Holy Ghost and was performing a cargo flight from Wewak to Mingende, delivering goods for the New Year's day.

Crash of a De Havilland DH.84 Dragon on Mt Kerigomna: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jan 29, 1947

Type of aircraft:

De Havilland DH.84 Dragon

Operator:

Registration:

VH-AOS

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Cargo

Survivors:

Site:

Mountains

Schedule:

Kerowagi – Lae

MSN:

2006

YOM:

1943

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

While cruising at an altitude of 10,500 feet in poor weather conditions, while on a cargo flight from Kerowagi to Lae, the twin engine aircraft hit the rocky face of Mt Kerigomna (3,204 meters high). The wreckage was spotted by another Mandated Airlines crew three days later and the body of the pilot Douglas G. Tapsall, who was killed, was later recovered.