Fatal light aircraft accidents in Papua New Guinea.

The number of light aircraft (less than 5,700) in the developing world is small compared to those in the West, and little information on aviation accidents is readily available from developing countries. Papua New Guinea, enjoys a priviledged position, since aviation was introduced early and much of the country was opened through flying. During the period of Australian trusteeship until independence in 1975, the Australian Department of Transport applied its own rigorous standards to aviation in Papua New Guinea, a policy continued by the present Civil Aviation Agency. As a result of tight supervisory controls, accurate statistics on accidents are available, from which comparisons with other countries can be made. A study has been made of fatal light aircraft accidents in Papua New Guinea. Some of the Medical problems involved in accident prevention in a developing country are discussed.