PNG plane wreckage found

PORT MORESBY - A large crowd of worried Papua New Guineans, fearing their relatives were on board the crashed Kokoda flight, carrying 13 people including nine Australians, have gathered at Port Moresby airport.

A rescue helicopter reported early on Wednesday that wreckage had been located.

Papua New Guinea Civil Aviation Authority head Joseph Kintau told ABC radio the wreckage of the charter had been found but did not have any specific details.

More than 60 PNG porters, who assist Kokoda trekkers along the famous 96 kilometre walk, have arrived at the ariport with the hope their loved one was not on board the doomed Airlines PNG twin-otter plane that went down on Tuesday.

Seven Victorians and two Queenslanders intending to walk the iconic track with the No Roads Expeditions trekking company, are among 13 people aboard a charter plane that went down in mountainous country in the Owen Stanley ranges.

Kokoda track veteran Norris Selu said groups from different trekking companies had gathered to find out information about the flight.

"We are here to show sympathy and provide moral support.

"All of us are worried someone we know may have been on board. At this stage we just don't know and are waiting for more information."

A meeting between No Roads Expedition trekking company, Airlines PNG and the rescue team is currently being held at the airport to determine the next step in the operation.

- AAP