Twin Otter Aircraft Crashes at Kerema Airstrip in Papua New Guinea’s Gulf Province
A Twin Otter aircraft operated by Tropic Air veered off the runway and crashed at Kerema airstrip in Papua New Guinea’s Gulf Province earlier today. The plane, which was on a chartered flight for Total Energy, had landed to pick up two female workers when the incident occurred.
According to Gulf Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Jeffrey Lemb, the aircraft was transporting eight Total Energy workers returning from Purari at the time of the crash. The passengers included seven male nationals and one expatriate flight superintendent. The pilot and co-pilot were identified as Fijian nationals.
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| Twin Otter Aircraft Crashes at Kerema Airstrip in Papua New Guinea’s Gulf Province [Photo supplied] |
Initial reports suggest that strong wind conditions may have contributed to the accident. The flight superintendent on board indicated that adverse weather likely interfered with the aircraft’s radar, causing it to veer off the runway and skid into nearby scrubland and a drainage area.
Despite the dramatic incident, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew. All individuals on board were safely evacuated from the aircraft. Five passengers were transported to Port Moresby by a Hevilift helicopter, while the remaining three are awaiting their flight.
Chief Inspector Lemb praised the swift response of emergency teams and confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. The incident has raised concerns about the challenges of operating in remote areas of Papua New Guinea, where unpredictable weather conditions can pose significant risks.
Tropic Air and Total Energy have yet to release official statements regarding the crash, but authorities have assured the public that safety measures are being reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The crash serves as a reminder of the complexities of air travel in Papua New Guinea’s rugged and often unpredictable terrain. Fortunately, the quick actions of the crew and emergency responders ensured a positive outcome, with all passengers and crew escaping unharmed.
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