MFAT confirms Kiwi survived deadly PNG plane crash

It is believed there were 28 passengers on the aircraft. Photo / Thinkstock

A New Zealander has been confirmed to have survived a deadly plane crash in Papua New Guinea.

Airlines PNG has confirmed one of its Dash 8 aircraft has crashed near Madang and grounded its fleet of 12 aircraft until further notice.

In a statement on its website, the airline said there were 28 passengers and four crew members on the plane and there appeared to be some survivors, while a number of people remained unaccounted for.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson confirmed the New Zealand pilot of the aircraft has confirmed.

The New Zealand High Commission in Papua New Guinea is providing consular assistance.

MFAT has no information at this stage that any other New Zealanders were on board the plane.

Sky News Australia reported a New Zealander and an Australian were aboard and survived the crash.

"We are sad to confirm that there has been an accident involving an Airlines PNG Dash 8 aircraft near Madang late Thursday afternoon," the airline's media statement said.

"Airlines PNG is working with the emergency service authorities to confirm this information in more detail."

It said a full investigation was under way by authorities and Airlines PNG as to the possible cause of the accident.

"Our prayers and thoughts are now with all those affected by this very sad day for Papua New Guinea," the statement said.

-Herald Online, AAP