South Pacific Division

Adventist Aviation Services Aircraft Lands Safely Despite Runway Incident on Remote Papua New Guinea Airstrip

The aircraft veered off a wet runway at Kanabea Airstrip on January 9 while supporting a regional health department flight; all six onboard were unharmed.

January 14, 2026

Papua New Guinea

Rose Maine Sinias and Juliana Muniz, Adventist Record

Wet conditions at the airstrip caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and come to rest in low vegetation near the edge of the strip

Photo: Kebio Linus

An aircraft operated by Adventist Aviation Services (AAS) safely completed a landing at Kanabea Airstrip in Papua New Guinea on January 9, 2026, after challenging conditions caused the plane to skid off the runway during landing. All occupants were unharmed.

The aircraft was landing at about 8:45 am after completing a flight supporting the Gulf Provincial Government Department of Health. The flight was transporting the body of a senior nursing officer, accompanied by family members. Wet conditions at the airstrip caused it to veer off the runway and come to rest in low vegetation near the edge of the strip. There were six people on board, including AAS personnel, a pilot, and a dispatch supervisor.

Mission aviation plays a critical role in Papua New Guinea, where rugged terrain and limited road access mean many communities rely on air transport for healthcare, education, and essential services. Based in Goroka, AAS supports work across the country, serving remote locations that are inaccessible by road.

Photo: Kebio Linus

“Air transport is our only connection to essential services,” a local representative said. “We are appealing for greater support in maintaining airstrips and infrastructure so communities like ours can be served safely and consistently.”

Following the incident, AAS leadership expressed gratitude for the safe outcome and called for prayer and support for aviation personnel working in demanding environments.

The aircraft remains at Kanabea while AAS works through recovery arrangements. Papua New Guinea Union Mission president Danny Philip urged church members to pray as the team plans the aircraft’s return.

“I appeal to you all to inform all our churches, pastors, and leaders to offer a special prayer for AAS during this time as they work out strategies to repatriate the aircraft,” Philip said. “Let us thank God and pray for the AAS team in this critical moment.”

AAS Chief Executive Officer Mark Neah also appealed for support. “We need your prayers and support at this time,” he wrote.

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division news site, Adventist Record.