PNG Air Plane Stops Suddenly on Goroka Runway to Avoid Bird Strike

A routine PNG Air service turned into an emergency stop at Goroka Airport on Monday after a swarm of birds moved across the runway moments before takeoff.

The pilot of the ATR 72-600 reacted immediately, aborting the departure while the aircraft was still on the ground and bringing the plane to a hard stop.

Passengers and crew were unharmed, although the force of the braking damaged two tires on the left landing gear.

 

PNG Air Plane tyres bust as it comes to abrupt stop/photo supplied

The incident happened shortly after 10:30am as the aircraft gathered speed for departure from Goroka.

According to PNG Air, the aircraft was travelling at around 70 knots when the Pilot in Command applied full braking power to avoid the risk of birds entering the engines.

Bird strikes remain one of the major hazards for aircraft during takeoff and landing, particularly for turboprop aircraft operating in regional airports.

PNG Air officials said the pilot followed all approved aviation safety procedures during the rejected takeoff and credited regular crew training for the safe handling of the situation.

Airport personnel later secured the aircraft on the runway while engineers prepared repair work.

The airline said a rescue and maintenance team travelled to Goroka during the afternoon to begin replacing the damaged tires and inspecting the aircraft.

Flight schedules in and out of Goroka were affected throughout the day as crews worked to clear the aircraft and restore normal airport operations.

PNG Air also issued an apology to passengers inconvenienced by the delays.

“The PIC’s decision reflects PNG Air’s commitment to operational discipline and the paramount importance of passenger and crew safety,” the airline said.