Papua New Guinea safety inspector among crash victims

CIVIL Aviation Minister Benjamin Poponawa has promised a full and thorough investigation into the air crash in Misima, Milne Bay, that killed four people, The National reports.

He said the Accident Investigation Commission (AIC), under its chief executive officer David Inau, would conduct a thorough and independent investigation in accordance with international civil aviation rules with the help of Australian experts.

“The AIC has invited the technical assistance of CASA PNG, the operator, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and other independent agencies.

“Onsite component of the investigation will continue for several days and an airspace restriction remains over the crash site.

“It is expected that an interim factual report will be released within 28 days,” Poponawa said in a statement.

He confirmed that Darren Moore, a flying operations inspector with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, was killed in the crash.

He expressed condolences to the family and friends of those killed.

Poponawa said Trans Air (PNG) had no connection to Transair (Australia).

“The links to the Transair (Australia) Lockhart river accident in 2005 and this accident cannot be ignored.

“The investigation and inquiries into the Lockhart river accident, including the Queensland coronial inquiry, did not hold Transair accountable.”

He said Trans Air (PNG) had an existing air operator certificate (AOC) since 1998, prior to the Lockhart river accident.