Search and rescue efforts underway for missing aircraft P2-SAM
An active search and rescue [SAR] operation for the North Coast Aviation aircraft, P2-SAM, a Britten Norman Islander or BN2 is currently underway.
NiuSky Pacific Ltd through its Rescue Coordination Centre [RCC] confirmed this in a statement.
This following lost communication with air traffic services during its flight from Wasu airstrip to Nadzab Airport on Sunday 22/12/24.
Nuisky says RCC has maintained continuous coordination with the following agencies: Manalos Aviation, North Coast Aviation, Hevi-Lift and the PNGDF air transport wing, government agencies such the AIC, CASA-PNG and the Morobe Provincial Disaster Office have also been included in the coordination of the Search and Rescue efforts.
The Morobe Provincial Disaster Office is coordinating with the local police and health authorities in Lae.
Unfortunately, yesterday’s adverse weather conditions hindered the visual searches and was suspended in the afternoon. Early this morning, the search operations resumed, and the crash site was located.
Manalos aviation together with the PNG Defrence Force and Morobe Provincial Disaster Office are in the process of planning and preparing a rescue team to be dispatched to the crash site.
Meanwhile, Nuisky says their RCC remains operational and is closely monitoring the situation and will provide new updates when available.
Below is the timeline of events
10:12 AM: P2-SAM departed WASU Airstrip with five persons on board (POB), expected to arrive at Nadzab Airport at 10:47 AM.
10:30 AM: The RCC detected an emergency signal from coordinates S06 03.5 E14 51.4 via the COSPAS-SARSAT system.
10:40 AM: A lack of radio communication and the distress signal triggered the declaration of the DISTRESS PHASE.
11:00 AM: RCC activated and began search coordination with Manalos Aviation and North Coast Aviation.
11:30 AM: Manalos Aviation was briefed on potential involvement in the search.
12:05 PM: North Coast Aviation joined efforts to coordinate the search with Manalos Aviation.
1:50 PM: Search helicopter P2-NTI departed Lae for the distress location but returned due to adverse weather.
Meantime PNG Accident Investigation Commission has opened an investigation [Ref: AIC 24-1003] and deployed a team to Lae to conduct on-site investigation activities.
PNG AIC says the accident will be investigated in accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation [ICAO Annex 13].
PNG AIC public is urged to refrain from posting misleading and unverified information on social media and to be considerate of the families and loved ones of the persons on board and the impact those posts may have on them.