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Pilot dies in plane crash, two injured
INVESTIGATIONS are continuing into a light airplane accident that resulted in the death of a pilot, and two passengers injured.
The private airplane crashed last Thursday near Lake Myola while approaching the Kokoda Track in inland Koiari, Central province.
Reports said the injured, who were the only passengers on board, were airlifted to Port Moresby more than three hours after the accident.
Authorities have identified the deceased as Chris Kens, a pilot with the Lae-based North Coast Aviation, who was flying a Cessna 206, allegedly owned by a Capt Joe Maule.
When confirming the details last Friday, Transport’s air safety regulations director Wilson Sagati said the plane was on a run around the Goilala area to Yongi from Port Moresby.
He said it was travelling back to the city from Yongi when the pilot lost contact with air traffic control before crashing near Lake Myola at around 10am last Thursday.
Accident details are still unknown.
A search and rescue effort was initiated and the crash site was located at about 1.45pm. The survivors were airlifted to Port Moresby.
The Civil Aviation Authority could not be reached for comments.