AIC releases Hagen plane crash report

THE PNG Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) has found that two aircraft had a “loss of separation” during a landing and take-off phase at Mt Hagen airport on Aug 26.
“Loss of separation” occurs when two aircrafts come in close contact than is allowable.
Acting chief commissioner of the PNG Accident Investigation Commission (AIC), captain Aria Bouraga made this known in the AIC preliminary report released last Monday.
Bouraga said the AIC was in the process of analysing and verifying information and evidence relevant to the investigation which included flight operation, weather and organisational aspects to the appropriate extent.
According to the preliminary report, the incident involved a Hevilift Aviation Limited Twin Otter DHC6-300, registered P2-KSI and the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) PNG Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft, registered P2-MEW.
The P2-KSI was flying into Mt Hagen on a chartered flight from Kairik Airport, Enga, while the P2-MEW was flying out of Mt Hagen on a chartered flight to Simbai Airstrip, Madang.
P2-KSI was inbound towards Runway 30 approaching wide left-downwind and given clearance to proceed.
The P2-MEW was given clearance to take-off on Runway 12 which was opposite Runway 30 and to make a left turn.
During interview, P2-MEW pilot stated that the aircraft moved slightly to the left to avoid cloud before making the left turn as instructed by the Air Traffic Control (ATC).
As the Cessna 208 Caravan, P2-MEW was talking off, ATC cleared the Twin Otter DHC6-300, P2-KSI for landing on Runway 12 and not Runway 30. The two aircraft found themselves passing each other at a danger close distance.