From News.com.au...
ONE Australian has died and others remain missing after their plane crashed in Papua New Guinea's Milne Bay Province.
Australian Reef Pilots confirmed one of their staff members died when their chartered plane crashed this afternoon.
Other Australians, not working with Australian Reef Pilots, were on board but their fate was not immediately known.
Acting CEO for PNG Ports Jerome Peniasi told AAP the Australians on the plane were working with Australian Reef Pilots near Misima Island, Milne Bay, on PNG's south-east tip.
"We are aware of the accident but we still don't have much information as communication has been difficult,'' he said.
Australian Reef Pilots chief executive officer Craig Southerwood issued a short statement this evening.
"ARP is shocked and saddened by the loss of one of our marine pilots in a chartered plane crash in PNG this afternoon,'' he said.
"Chairman Don McLay is visiting with the family of our deceased workmate and friend to offer them the company's sympathy and any assistance at this terrible time. "We are all shattered by this tragedy,'' he said.
ARP provides help for vessels navigating in difficult shipping lanes and provides emergency and temporary port pilots and marine consultancy.
According to
ARP's website, the company has been involved in marine pilotage through Queensland's shipping channels for more than 100 years.
Milne Bay governor's spokesman Robin Wayuba said Misima Island locals contacted their office about 4.30pm (AEST).
"Locals said the plane skidded off the runway after landing at Misima," Wayuba said.
"The plane crashed into nearby trees and burst into flames.
"Locals say five people were on board and the weather had been wet and windy all day.
"They said only the pilot survived and (he) is in a critical condition in the local hospital."
It is still unclear how many people were aboard the charter plane
Read more:
Australian dies in PNG plane crash, others missing | News.com.au