This was due to the aircraft’s undercarriage on both sides not being able to release the wheels for landing in Wewak. The aircraft circled Wewak but the undercarriage could not be activated to release the wheels for landing.
This had forced the pilot to return to Port Moresby.
Air Niugini General Manager Dominic Kaumu said the aircraft could not do an emergency landing in Wewak and Madang because of lack of emergency facilities.
He clarified that the pilot did the right thing to return to Port Moresby and advise the Air Niugini Emergency team of the situation.
