Tabubil - Bimin

On February 22, 2005 at 01:43 PM, Tabubil - Bimin experienced a crash involving De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, operated by Missionary Aviation Fellowship - MAF, with the event recorded near Bimin-Wobagen Sandaun (West Sepik).

The flight was categorized as charter/taxi (non scheduled revenue flight) and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

13 people were known to be on board, 2 fatalities were recorded, 11 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 15.4%.

Crew on board: 3, crew fatalities: 2, passengers on board: 10, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is weather. On approach to Bimin-Wobagen Airport runway 30, the twin engine aircraft lost height and crashed in a wooded area. Both pilots (New Zealand citizens) were killed instantly and all 11 other occupants were injured, some seriously. They walk away to the village to find help and receive care. The aircraft has a single 11/29 grass/dirt runway located at an altitude of 1,767 metres and offer a 10° slope. Runway 29 is for landing only and runway 11 for takeoff only.

Aircraft reference details include registration P2-MFQ, MSN 174, year of manufacture 1968.