Investigation starts on Kabwum plane crash

The National National
The North Coast Aviation aircraft that crash-landed in Kabwum, Morobe, on Monday. Twelve passengers were reported on board. – Picture supplied

THE PNG Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) has started inquiries to find the cause of an aircraft accident with 12 persons on board at Kabwum in Morobe this week, AIC chief commissioner Captain Aria Bouraga says.
Bouraga said the North Coast Aviation PAC 750-XL aircraft, registered P2-NCA, departed Nadzab Airport on Monday morning travelling to Bungawat airstrip in Kabwum where the incident happened during landing at about 9.30am.
“The AIC was notified of the accident by NCA via email the next day (Tuesday) at 8.29am,” he said.
Ten passengers and two pilots were on board but there were no reports of casualties.
According to AIC, the investigation would continue and intended to understand the reason for the accident.
“The investigation will also include but not limited to the operations, systems, performance, maintenance and serviceability of the aircraft and organisational aspects,” it said in a statement.
“The AIC investigation will determine the circumstances and contributing factors to ensure all safety lessons which can help improve aviation safety are learned.”