Plane wing clipped tree on landing at Papa-Lealea, says commission

A CESSNA 402C aircraft loaded with more than 600kg of cocaine impacted trees during an aborted take-off at an un-commissioned field near Papa-Lealea on July 26, according to a preliminary report released by the Accident Investigation Commission (AIC).
Chief Commissioner of the PNG AIC Hubert Namani in a statement said AIC became aware of an alleged aircraft occurrence near Papa-Lealea, Central, on July 26.
“The AIC investigators subsequently commenced an on-site investigation,” he said.
According to the preliminary report from the AIC, at about 9.30 on July 26, the aircraft departed Mareeba, Queensland.
“The pilot reported that he had flown to and within PNG in the past and was familiar with the area and airspace,” the AIC report stated.
“He confirmed switching off the transponder after departure.
“The pilot stated that as he approached to land from the north, the outboard section of the left wing was clipped by a tree and separated from the aircraft but he managed to continue with the approach and touched down on the field at about 12.20pm.
“The pilot stated that the aircraft was refuelled with aviation gasoline (AvGas) using jerry cans full of fuel and loaded with cargo by persons waiting on the ground.
“According to the pilot, the field offered enough distance for take-off and at about 12.40, he started his take-off roll from the southern end of the field.
“However, as the aircraft took off, he noticed that the airspeed indicator was not working and that the aircraft couldn’t achieve a positive rate of climb.
“The pilot subsequently closed the throttles and aborted the take-off.
“The aircraft touched down about 850m into the field, colliding with trees during its landing roll.
“The pilot reported he was the sole occupant of the aircraft, and sustained minor injuries.
“The aircraft was substantially damaged.”