By Meriba Tulo – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The Papua New Guinea Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) has released a preliminary report into the fatal air crash in Kiunga on April 13 – one which claimed 12 lives.
AIC Chief Executive Officer, David Inau, released this report yesterday in line with International Civil Aviation guidelines.
The report, released as per the International Civil Aviation Organisation guideline of 30 days from the crash, was a crucial step for the industry, but more so for the families of those that perished in this incident.
This report, which does not contain the final analysis or conclusions as to the cause of the crash, does point out some irregularities:
- The flight manifest continued several crossings-out, and reworking of figures – with the AIC still yet to determine the actual weight and balance of the flight
- The aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter (ELT) – which did not activate on impact – was out of date, with the AIC report finding that the ELT was due to have been replaced by March 2016
These two findings from the preliminary report are amongst a host of other areas that will be investigated further, with their conclusions to be included in the final report – expected to be released within the next 12 months.
The final report will hopefully bring closure to families of those that perished in this tragic incident.
For the full preliminary report you can click here.
