AIC releases report on Jiwaka plane crash

PNG Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) has established that the crash of the small plane in Jiwaka on Feb 9 was caused by the main landing gear getting caught on a wire fence at the airstrip.
Acting chief commissioner of the PNG AIC captain Aria Bouraga said the aircraft subsequently impacted the terrain by its right main landing gear and wing about 95 metres from the end of the runway.
“The right main landing gear and the outboard wing section detached from the aircraft as a result of the initial impact while the aircraft continued with the momentum and came to rest in a local village garden about 160 metres from the end of the runway,” he said.
Bouraga said the AIC was in the process of analysing and verifying relevant information and evidence to the investigation which included flight operation, aircraft conditions and the weather which will be included in the final investigation report.
“It is the policy of the AIC to publicly release a preliminary investigation report for each accident being investigated 30 days from the occurrence date pursuant to requirements of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation,” he said.
Bouraga said the AIC would determine the circumstances and contributing factors to ensure all safety lessons which could help improve aviation safety were learned.
“In accordance with its legal mandate, all AIC investigations are conducted with the sole purpose of improving safety of the travelling public, with complete independence from other State authorities, aviation service providers and stakeholders,” he said.