The news of the fate of the Twin Otter is very sad and my heart goes out to all affected. The aircraft is a safe and reliable airframe and has given great service. There have been around 230 "Hull Loss" accidents of the type (of 800 airframes built) and around 1300 lives lost. This is a function of WHERE the aircraft has given most of its service, rather than any design weakness.

I have been flying since 1997 and have time on several different types (although not the Otter). I have also trekked Kokoda four times (altough not with this company)and must say that I have always considered the flights in/out to be the most dangerous part of the trip.

The weather is the principal problem. It is fickle at best and the operation of aircraft around mountains is not easy. The sooner that money is spent to expand Kokoda Airstrip (for 'airport' is far too grand a description) and allow, for example, the Dash 8 or similar to fly in, the safer everyone will be.

I would encourage anybody thinking of going to still go, these accidents are relatively rare, but aware that the risk is much greater than "driving your car to work".

Personally, I will be trekking again in PNG, probably next year.