What happened
During a cargo operation departing from Brisbane, the crew of a four-engine aircraft initiated their approach toward Honiara-Henderson Airport. While on final approach, the aircraft's altitude was insufficient, resulting in the right main landing gear making contact with the ocean surface. This impact caused the gear to be detached from the airframe.
In response to the incident, the crew applied additional power to the engines and proceeded with the landing sequence on runway 24. However, once the aircraft reached the runway, it became unstable. The plane veered off the paved surface at a high rate of speed before eventually coming to a stop.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
- All six individuals on board managed to exit the aircraft without sustaining any injuries.
- The primary sequence of events was initiated by the low approach altitude which led to the gear separation.