PNG gets top endorsement after Vanuatu air-crash probe

THE PNG Accidents Investigation Commission has received a high-level endorsement from the International Civil Aviation Organisation, foreign states and aircraft manufacturers following its investigation report and safety recommendations on a recent accident in Vanuatu.
Chief Commissioner Hubert Namani said two AIC investigators carried out onsite investigations into an incident involving an ATR 72-500 aircraft following a request by the civil aviation authority in Vanuatu.
The report said about 20 minutes prior to landing at Port Vila, the right engine of an ATR 72-500 aircraft had to be shut down by the pilots due to a malfunction and the pilot declared an emergency.
“Immediately after touching down, the aircraft veered to the left and ran off the runway.
“The pilots were unable to bring the aircraft to a stop or steer it away from parked aircraft on the airport apron,” Namani said.
He said the ATR 72 impacted two unoccupied Britten Norman Islander aircraft, causing significant damage.
No one in the out-of-control aircraft was injured.
“Where a country does not have the resources and capacity to conduct international standard investigations, a memorandum of understanding provides for graded levels of assistance needed to be provided,” Namani said.
“This cooperation and assistance conducted in accordance with the Standards of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation is a very effective way for countries to meet their international accident investigation obligations.
“Safety action taken as a result of AIC investigation findings and recommendations have resulted in aircraft and aviation system improvements globally.”
Namni said negotiations with civil aviation authorities in Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to assist them were at an advanced stage.