Three Australians die in PNG plane crash

SYDNEY, Sept 1, 2010 (AFP) - Three Australians and a New Zealander died on Tuesday when their charter plane overshot a remote runway in Papua New Guinea.

Another New Zealander, a co-pilot, was the only survivor of the accident in Milne Bay province but was in critical condition, the Australian Associated Press (AAP) reported.

Foreign affairs minister Stephen Smith confirmed five people were on board the Trans Air flight to Misima Island, on Papua New Guinea's southeast tip.

"It is with deep regret that I advise Trans Air has confirmed that four of those on board, including three Australians and one New Zealand citizen, have died," Smith was quoted saying.

A local official told AAP that the small plane crashed into trees and burst into flames. He also said it had been wet and windy.

Papua New Guinea's rugged landscape and unpredictable weather make flying conditions particularly tough.



(c) 2010 AFP