Kiunga crash highlghts aircraft safety issues

 I AM saddened to hear of the light aircraft crash in Kiunga, Western, on Wednesday. 

The root cause of the accident will be investigated and report by the Aircraft Investigation Commission (AIC). 

However; I will ask the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the respective mandated entities that regulate and manage the Civil Aviation Industry in PNG these questions:

Are the pilots properly checked prior to authorising them in fly in PNG? Do they pass the Fit and Proper Person test?

Is the aircraft airworthiness and  life span checked?

Are the maintenance engineers certified to work in PNG?

Are the staff roster checked? 

Are the pilots, engineers and ground staff overworked or under management pressure to work long hours?

The above questions are some of the root causes of aircraft accidents around the world today. 

When the authorities do not check the pilots and aircraft engineers as per standard procedures, you will experience such catastrophic accidents.

All aircraft have a life span therefore; the authorities in PNG must ensure that their maintenance records are properly examined before allowing them to operate in the country.

The aircraft maintenance engineers must be properly scrutinised and certified to work because human error in their line of duty will be catastrophic. 

Concerned Citizen, Via email