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Crash of a Britten-Norman BN-2A-27 Islander in Suva: 2 killed

Date & Time: May 11, 1993
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
DQ-FEO
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Lakeba - Suva
MSN:
9
YOM:
1967
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft departed Lakeba Island Airport on a cargo flight to Suva, carrying one passenger, one pilot and a load of fish. On final approach to Suva-Nausori Airport runway 10, the pilot encountered strong winds. On short final, the aircraft was too low and collided with a taxi driving on a road passing about 200 metres short of runway 10 threshold. The aircraft went out of control and crashed, bursting into flames. Both occupants in the plane were killed while both occupants in the taxi were seriously injured.
Probable cause:
The pilot was completing the approach at an insufficient altitude. Strong winds were considered as a contributing factor.

Crash of a De Havilland DH.114 Heron 2B in Suva

Date & Time: Dec 15, 1991
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
DQ-FEE
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Suva - Suva
MSN:
14057
YOM:
1955
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The crew (one pilot and one instructor) was completing a local training flight at Suva Airport. On approach, the crew failed to lower the landing gear, causing the aircraft to land on its belly. It slid on the runway for few dozen metres before coming to rest. Both pilots escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Probable cause:
The crew failed to follow the approach and landing checklist and forgot to lower the landing gear.

Crash of a Britten-Norman BN-2A-27 Islander off Rarotonga: 6 killed

Date & Time: Aug 6, 1991 at 1930 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
DQ-FCN
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Aitukaki - Rarotonga
MSN:
676
YOM:
1972
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
8
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Circumstances:
The twin engine airplane was completing a flight from Aitukaki to Rarotonga on behalf of Avaiki Air, carrying eight passengers and two pilots. On final approach by night, at an altitude of 1,700 feet, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in the sea few km offshore. The aircraft quickly sank by a depth of about 2,400 metres and the wreckage was not recovered. Three passengers and one pilot were rescued while six others occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Due to lack of evidences, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. The loss of control occurred during a VFR approach by night in excellent weather conditions.

Crash of a De Havilland DH.114 Heron 2 in Vanua Balavu: 1 killed

Date & Time: Sep 11, 1986 at 1145 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
DQ-FEC
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Vanua Balavu - Suva-Nausori
MSN:
14078
YOM:
1955
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
Takeoff from Vanua Balavu Airport was initiated in poor weather conditions. During the takeoff roll, the airplane deviated to the left then veered off runway and eventually collided with trees. A passenger was killed while both other occupants were injured.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the pilot lost control of the aircraft during the takeoff roll in poor weather conditions (low visibility) as he was partially incapacitated due to medication.

Crash of a Britten-Norman BN-2A-7 Islander near Bua: 9 killed

Date & Time: Jul 12, 1979 at 1020 LT
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
DQ-FBO
Flight Phase:
Survivors:
No
Site:
Schedule:
Suva - Bua
MSN:
195
YOM:
1970
Flight number:
PC071
Country:
Region:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
8
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
9
Aircraft flight hours:
8835
Circumstances:
While approaching Bua on a short 35-minute flight from Suva-Nausori Airport, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions. At an altitude of 1,450 feet, the twin engine airplane crashed in a hilly and wooded area located about 10 km northeast of Bua. The wreckage was found two days later in an isolated area. All nine occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
The accident was caused by the pilot in command continuing the flight into conditions where he lost visual reference with the surface which resulted in the aircraft colliding with the terrain.