Kiwi survives PNG plane crash
A New Zealand pilot has survived a fatal air crash in Papua New Guinea.
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UPDATED: A New Zealand pilot has survived a fatal air crash in Papua New Guinea.
The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affiars and Trade has confirmed that the pilot survived after an Airlines PNG flight crashed near Madang.
A spokeswoman for MFAT said it had no information to suggest other New Zealanders were on board the flight.
The Airlines PNG website said one of the airline's Dash 8 aircraft had crashed late yesterday afternoon.
“Emergency services have been activated and Airlines PNG is co-operating with authorities to mount rescue and recovery efforts,” a statement on the website said.
There were 28 passengers and four crew members on board, the website said.
There appeared to be some survivors, it said, although a number of people remained unaccounted for.
“A full investigation is under way by authorities and Airlines PNG as to the possible cause of the accident.
“Airlines PNG fully supports the action of local authorities at Lae who have quarantined aviation fuel at Lae airport from where the aircraft originated.”
The airline has grounded its Dash 8 fleet of 12 aircraft until further notice.
Former Air New Zealand chief executive Gary Toomey is in charge at Airlines PNG.
Colin Williscroft
Fri, 14 Oct 2011
Fri, 14 Oct 2011
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Kiwi survives PNG plane crash
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