The Accident Investigation Commission has announced today (June 18) it will not be investigating the destruction of the Dash-8 aircraft operated by LinkPNG in Mendi, Southern Highlands.
Chief Commissioner, Hubert Namani, says the AIC had been fully briefed on Thursday (June 14) afternoon by National Airports Corporation and LinkPNG on the rioting in Mendi and the breaching of the airport security perimeter, resulting in the destruction of the airplane by fire. He said in accordance with International Standards, it is not a safety matter because the aircraft was parked, and the engines were shut down.
Mr. Namani says it is an extremely serious Aviation Security occurrence and a criminal act warranting police and Aviation Security investigation due to it occurring on an airport. Mr. Namani explained that the matter will result in blame and liability, both of which is outside AIC mandate but AIC stands ready to provide any assistance to Security & Police investigations.
