Synopsis
On 07 January 2026, a Cessna 208 Amphibian aircraft, registration 4R-CAE, operated by Saffron Aviation (Pvt) Ltd, was conducting a domestic commercial flight (Flight No. C7-5759) from Bandaranaike International Airport (VCBI) to Nuwara Eliya (Gregory Lake), Sri Lanka. The flight was operated under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).
Accident Sequence
During the landing attempt at Gregory Lake, shortly after water contact, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control and began veering laterally toward the lake bank. As the aircraft continued to drift toward the shoreline, the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) initiated a go-around by applying power and introducing a right bank. The aircraft did not achieve sufficient aerodynamic stability, and the right wing contacted the water surface, resulting in a loss of control. The aircraft subsequently impacted the lake, sustaining substantial damage.
Injuries and Evacuation
At the time of the accident, there were no passengers on board. The two flight crew members evacuated safely from the aircraft.
Investigation
Upon receipt of the initial notification, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) immediately dispatched a team to the accident site. The Authority appointed an Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) to initiate an investigation in accordance with ICAO Annex 13. The final report was released by CAASL on 22 May 2026.