Air Niugini Investigates Aircraft Engine Shutdown

An Air Niugini domestic flight had to return to Jacksons International Airport following a mid-flight engine shut down last Friday.

A video going viral on social media – Facebook, posted by an onboard passenger, has brought to question air travel safety on the State-owned airline.

In a media statement, Air Niugini confirmed that on Friday May 26th, 2023, a De Havilland Dash 8-300 aircraft, operating flight PX 160 from Port Moresby to Goroka, experienced a technical issue with its left-hand engine, having just departed Jacksons International Airport. 

A passenger who took the video of the left-hand engine shutting down, recalled that the incident occurred as soon as the plane took off.

He said he could hear a strong vibration sound coming from the left engine and suddenly it came to a complete stop.

Air Niugini management stated that the flight crew immediately initiated the appropriate actions as per the Standard Operating Procedures.

They performed an engine shutdown and having sufficiently reduced the landing weight by burning fuel in a holding pattern, safely returned the aircraft to Jacksons Airport. 

A former aircraft engineer, who served the State-owned airline for over 40-years when commenting on the incident praised Air Niugini technical crew for safely landing the aircraft following the Standard Operating Procedures. 

He however, questioned why there are many incidences occurring in a short span of time.

Air Niugini stated that the airline is committed to adhering to the highest industry safety standards, and have already commenced a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the engine issue.

The airline said it will work closely with the aircraft and engine supplier, and relevant authorities to ensure a comprehensive analysis of the engine issue.

Air Niugini's acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Seddon stated that the airline remains dedicated to maintaining the highest level of safety and operational excellence across its fleet.

He assured passengers to have confidence in Air Niugini, as the airline will uphold its commitment to delivering safe and reliable air travel.

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