My sources tell me there were doubts about fuel quality in Lae several weeks before this accident.
Is this true? There is only drum stock at Lae, used by helicopter operator, Dash8 has great short field capability but cannot hover.It is important that RUMOUR has some truth in it. Nadzab is the airstrip used by fixed wing.
Surely the several operators refueling with AVTUR at Nadzab would have known of this. APNG would not use "suspect" fuel and would have flight planned accordingly.
Was the storm in the approach path?
Would a pilot with so much expeience in PNG operations elect to do a letdown through a voilent storm?
And to all at APNG, be of strong heart.
BH