The Acting Board Chairman of the PNG Accident Investigation Commission (AIC), Captain Aria Bouraga, announced the publication of the Preliminary Report, AIC 22-1005, involving an Airbus Helicopter registered P2-PHA that sustained substantial damage to its’ Fenestron.
Captain Bouraga explained that it is the policy of the AIC to publicly release a preliminary investigation report for each accident or serious incident being investigated within 30 days from the occurrence date pursuant to requirements of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
At this stage, the AIC has established that the helicopter was conducting a VFR medical evacuation flight from Fogomaio Airstrip, Southern Highlands Province to Tari Hospital, Hela Province, during landing at the Hospital’s helipad, the helicopter sustained significant damage to its fenestron. Foreign object debris was ingested by the helicopter’s fenestron and caused substantial damage.
The AIC is in the process of analysing and verifying the information and evidence relevant to the investigation which includes Flight Operations, Organizational, Regulatory aspects and other areas as applicable.
All relevant information will be published in the Final report of the investigation once it is ready.
