POMSOX/MEDIA RELEASE
Port Moresby – Friday October 14th 2011
AIRLINES PNG PLEDGES TOTAL SUPPORT FOLLOWING MADANG TRAGEDY
Airlines PNG today pledged its total commitment to establish the cause of yesterday’s tragic accident near Madang, and do whatever needs to be done to support the families of those lost.
"Today we join with the mourning and the sadness of the entire nation, in this truly dreadful day for PNG and its people", said APNG spokesman, Erastus Kamburi.
The company has established there was an emergency situation onboard its Dash-8 aircraft, on approach to Madang airport. It has also been confirmed there was bad weather in the area at the time. The crew attempted to conduct a controlled emergency landing but the aircraft broke up on impact. Part of the fuselage caught fire.
Despite attempts by crew to assist in the rescue, 28 passengers died at the scene. It is believed all the deceased are PNG nationals.
Airlines PNG is actively working with authorities for the repatriation of the victims to their families.
We can confirm that Capt Bill Spencer, First Officer Campbell Wagstaff, Flight Attendant Kapi Eria, and one passenger survived the accident.
64 year-old Capt Spencer is a former A310 Captain. He has in excess of 45 years flying experience-including 35 years in PNG. First Officer Wagstaff has over 2,500 hours flying experience.
The company has initiated an investigation in co-ordination with PNG authorities and both the aircraft and engine manufacturers. Transport Canada will also be involved as the regulatory authority for the state in which the aircraft was manufactured. The investigation will be wide-ranging: including areas such as weather, fuel, any possible mid-air fire or any mechanical issues. The company has grounded its remaining 11 Dash-8 aircraft until it is satisfied there are no safety issues with the fleet.
Mr Kamburi said: "This is our commitment to the people of PNG, the families of those lost, and the survivors of this terrible tragedy: we will give you our total support in the days and months ahead. We will do whatever is needed to find the answers as to what happened and to share those answers with you all."
PNG Media: Andrew Johnson +675 768686 0123 Intl Media: Lee Anderson +675 71939251