Country
Papua New Guinea
code

Southern Highlands

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 300 in Mendi: 20 killed

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
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Schedule:
Bosavi – Mendi
MSN:
290
YOM:
1970
Location:
Mendi
Southern Highlands
Country:
Papua New Guinea
Region:
Oceania
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
18
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
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.

Crash of a Noorduyn Norseman near Mendi: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jul 8, 1958
Type of aircraft:
Noorduyn Norseman
Operator:
Registration:
VH-GSA
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Cargo
Survivors:
No
Site:
Mountains
Schedule:
Minj – Mendi
MSN:
250
YOM:
1943
Location:
Mendi
Southern Highlands
Country:
Papua New Guinea
Region:
Oceania
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
The pilot, sole on board, was performing a cargo flight from Minj to Mendi, carrying a load of cement bags. While approaching Mendi, weather conditions deteriorated. The single engine aircraft went through a valley in thunderstorm activity when it struck the slope of a mountain and disintegrated on impact. The pilot was killed.
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