Efforts to recover the victims of Sunday’s fatal plane crash in Sapmanga, Morobe Province, have been significantly delayed due to inclement weather and the difficult terrain. Persistent rain, heavy cloud cover, and rugged landscapes have made access to the crash site nearly impossible, stalling the retrieval of the deceased. On Christmas Day, two attempts were made to recover the bodies of the four passengers, but both were unsuccessful due to poor visibility and the remote, forested location of the wreckage. The wreckage of the B2-SAM aircraft, operated by North Coast Aviation, was found in the mountainous area near Sapmanga. The crash claimed the lives of all five individuals onboard, including pilot David Sandery, a member of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, as well as the First Secretary to the Housing Minister. Rescue teams have set up at the Sapmanga Airstrip, with coordination efforts now centralized at Nadzab and Lae’s Disaster Office. On Tuesday, authorities were able to recover Sandery's body and transport it to Lae. Operations continue, however, due to ongoing weather challenges, the retrieval of the remaining victims remains in progress. Local villagers and tactical units are being enlisted to help clear paths and improve accessibility, but the only feasible way to reach the crash site is by winch from a helicopter, with weather conditions continuing to hinder progress. Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso commented, "Recovery teams are doing everything they can, but the terrain is steep, and the area is uninhabitable—local residents don’t even venture there. The weather and clouds have added to the difficulties, but police and defense units are working tirelessly." Authorities are calling for patience as they strive to complete the mission amid these tough conditions. Disaster Director Charlie Masange is expected to give a press briefing later today to provide the latest updates on the recovery efforts.