Summary
The Papua New Guinea Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) is conducting an investigation into a collision with terrain involving a Cessna T188C, registered VH-SOY, 171 km east of Mount Hagen Airport, Papua New Guinea, on 23 April 2025. The sole pilot was fatally injured.
The AIC has requested assistance and the appointment of an accredited representative from the ATSB. To facilitate this support and to provide the appropriate protections for the information, the ATSB appointed an accredited representative in accordance with paragraph 5.23 of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and commenced an investigation under the Australian Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.
Any enquires relating to the investigation should be directed to the Papua New Guinea Accident Investigation Commission at www.aic.gov.pg.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AA-2026-001 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 23/04/2025 |
| Location | 171 km east of Mount Hagen Airport, Papua New Guinea |
| State | International |
| Investigation type | Accredited Representative |
| Investigation status | Active |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Collision with terrain |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Fatal |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company |
|---|---|
| Model | T188C |
| Registration | VH-SOY |
| Serial number | T18803847 |
| Aircraft operator | Liddle's Aerial Spraying Pty Ltd |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Part 138 Aerial work operations |
| Damage | Destroyed |