Kerowagi – Wau

On April 2, 1951 at 12:00 AM, Kerowagi – Wau experienced a crash involving De Havilland DH.84 Dragon, operated by Mandated Airlines, with the event recorded near Kerowagi Simbu (Chimbu).

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

10 people were known to be on board, 0 fatalities were recorded, 10 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 0.0%.

Crew on board: 2, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 8, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. The aircraft failed to gain height after takeoff and crashed. Three occupants, among them the pilot, were seriously injured. The aircraft was written off. Investigators found that the aircraft was overloaded by at least 18 kilograms and had 8 passengers and 2 crew, when only certificated to carry 6 passengers. Only 4 seat belts were fitted and no passengers were wearing seat belts. Unsecured freight was carried behind the passengers, moving forward on impact and hitting the passengers. The pilot had not completed a load sheet or calculated the centre of gravity. The tailwind on takeoff exceeded the maximum allowable for Kerowagi Airfield.

Aircraft reference details include registration VH-BDB, MSN 2063, year of manufacture 1943.

Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately -5.8988°, 144.8543°.