Two seriously injured in helicopter crash

Two people have sustained serious injuries after the helicopter they were in crashed in an attempt to transport fuel drums at Kiunga Airport in Western Province.

The Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) confirmed with Loop PNG this afternoon that both persons have been transported to the Kiunga Hospital for treatment.

While the AIC are still gathering information, it is understood that both passengers operating a Bell 407 helicopter were attempting to air lift three fuel drums from Kiunga Airport.

It is assumed at this point that the fuel drums may have been to heavy for the helicopter which forced it to crash.

AIC Chief Executive Officer, David Inau, says  that the aircraft suffered substantial damage and both passengers were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.

Coincidently, the AIC will be releasing tomorrow the final report into the Britten Norman Islander (BN-2T) aircraft which crashed at the Kiunga Aiport on April 13, 2016.

Twelve people on board, including an expatriate pilot lost their lives.

Author: 
Cedric Patjole