WET RUNWAY CONTRIBUTED TO TROPICAIR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT AT TAPINI

THE Papua New Guinea Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) has found that a wet and slippery runway, poor drainage and human factors contributed to a Tropicair aircraft accident at Tapini Airstrip in Central Province in January this year.

The DHC-6-300 aircraft lost directional control during take-off on January 22, veered off to the left and struck a perimeter fence, damaging its nose landing gear.

The aircraft continued to Port Moresby and made an emergency landing at Jacksons International Airport without its nose wheel assembly.

There were 21 people on board, including two pilots and 19 passengers. No injuries were reported.

The AIC’s final report found that heavy overnight rainfall, poor drainage and the runway’s downhill gradient reduced tyre traction and made it difficult for the crew to maintain directional control.

Tropicair has since improved drainage at the airstrip, cleared vegetation, installed a rain gauge and updated safety procedures for operations at wet and sloping airstrips.

The AIC said the investigation aimed to identify safety issues and prevent future accidents, rather than assign blame or liability.

The full report is available at www.aic.gov.pg.