Britten-Norman Islander crash, Dec 23, 2017 (1 killed), S...
Britten-Norman Islander accident on December 23, 2017 near Saidor Gap, Morobe, Papua New Guinea with 1 fatality. Cause: PNG investigation as summarised...
- Date: December 23, 2017
- Aircraft: Britten-Norman Islander
- Location: Saidor Gap, Morobe, Papua New Guinea
- Fatalities: 1
- Phase of flight: En route
- Cause: PNG investigation as summarised by BAAA (original report not reviewed): cloud build up may have forced the pilot closer than normal to the ridge, and the right aileron mass balance snagged on a tree protruding from the canopy, causing loss of roll control and a steep descent into terrain.
On 23 December 2017 a North Coast Aviation Britten Norman Islander cargo flight from Derim to Lae was crossing the Sarawaget Ranges when it struck a densely timbered ridge near Saidor Gap in Morobe Province. The right wing hit a tree, the right aileron was torn away and roll control was lost, and the aircraft descended steeply into the forest. The pilot was the sole occupant and died of injuries.