Pilot Among Three Killed in Simbai Plane Crash in PNG

A PILOT and two passengers have died after a light aircraft crashed near Simbai in Middle Ramu, Madang Province, in a tragic incident that has shocked remote communities in PNG.

The aircraft, operated by Niugini Aviation and piloted by Paul Gueme, had departed Mt Hagen shortly after 1pm yesterday on a chartered flight before crashing about six miles south of Simbai.

 Pilot Among Three Killed in Simbai Plane Crash in PNG

Middle Ramu MP Kansol Kamdaru expressed deep sorrow over the crash, saying the loss was particularly devastating for communities that depend heavily on small aircraft for transportation.

“I am so devastated to hear about the plane crash in my district,” Kamdaru said.

“My people rely heavily on these third level aircrafts for their transportation needs, and what happened yesterday is a great loss to my district and my people.”

Kamdaru extended his condolences to the families and relatives of the three men who died.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time,” he said.

“Your loss is our loss too.”

He also acknowledged the contribution of Niugini Aviation to Middle Ramu, saying the airline had played an important role in the lives of local people and the development of remote communities.

Former Madang Governor Jim Kas, who is from Simbai, also mourned the death of Gueme, describing him as a highly experienced pilot who was dedicated to serving people in some of PNG’s most isolated areas.

“I have known the late pilot for a long time,” Kas said.

Kas said Gueme was passionate about flying and was willing to take on difficult assignments despite challenging weather, rugged terrain and the remoteness of many communities.

“He understood the small people well and their needs,” Kas said.

“He found happiness and satisfaction in serving the remote people.”

Kas said Gueme understood the importance of aviation to communities where an aircraft was often their only connection to the outside world.

“He knew the beauty of landing a plane in remote areas and seeing people smile when they see a plane land because that is their only connection to the outside world,” he said.

Kas said Gueme had flown into Simbai three to four times a day before the fatal crash.

He extended his condolences to the families of Gueme and the two passengers on behalf of people from Middle Ramu, Raikos and other remote areas of Madang Province.