A light twin-jet (possibly a Cessna Citation or similar) failed to stop yesterday afternoon (31st) when landing in rain at Misima Island in the Milne Bay Province of PNG. (about 500 km south-east of the Capital, Port Moresby). Witnesses said that the aircraft struck trees at the end of the runway and burst into flames. Only one person survived; a New Zealander who was the co-pilot. He appeared to have been thrown clear and is in the local hospital and is able to talk. Police and some Govt. officials were quickly on the scene but were unable to rescue the other four occupants due to the intense fire.
I remember the airstrip as being quite good. It is near sea level and the island is generally low-lying. But already an unamed person has stated that the runway had become badly neglected with grass growing to "cockpit height" and slippery algae growth is widespread. The four dead are reported as including a New Zealander and three Australians. Trans Air operate charter and medivav services.