Chief Commissioner of the PNG Accident Investigation Commission, Hubert Namani has announced that the AIC was investigating a serious incident that occurred on the 23rd of December 2020 at Kagamuga Airport, Mount Hagen, Western Highlands Province.
On Wednesday 23rd December 23rd, and ATR 72-212A, operated by PNG Air, was approaching runway 30 at Kagamuga Airport in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands, when a fire warning from the aircraft’s engine No.2 was triggered.
Initial findings indicate that at the onset of the emergency, the flight crew shut the engine down and discharged the fire extinguishing agents to the engine, to continue with approach and landing on the runway.
There were 56 passengers and crew on board and no injuries were reported.
The AIC received notice from Niusky Pacific Limited (Formerly known as PNG Air Services Limited) at 3:35pm and commenced a serious incident investigation under the Civil Aviation Act 2000 (As Amended) and aligned with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. A team of investigators were appointed to manage this investigation and travelled to Mount Hagen to conduct on-site activities on the morning of Christmas eve.
“As per its mandate, the AIC conducts accident and serious incident investigations, with complete independence from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA PNG), other authorities and aviation service providers and stakeholders and only with a view of improving safety, rather than to ascribe blame or liability.” Explained Mr Namani.
In accordance with International Standards, the AIC will issue a Preliminary report within 30 days.
More information about the AIC can be found on its website www.aic.gov.pg.
