No fatalities

Aircraft crash during go-around at Matei Airport (DQ-FER)

Matei (Taveuni Island), Fiji IslandsLanding (descent or approach)

On November 10, 1988, a Beechcraft 80 Queen Air (registration DQ-FER) operated by Sunflower Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Matei (Taveuni Island), Fiji Islands during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a tree during an aborted landing attempt. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed and caught fire after striking a tree while attempting a go-around at Matei Airport.

What happened

During the final approach phase of flight to Matei Airport, the crew of a twin engine aircraft decided to execute a go-around maneuver. During this aborted landing attempt, the aircraft made contact with a tree, which led to a subsequent crash. The impact caused the airframe to burst into flames upon hitting the ground.

Findings

While the specific investigation details regarding the mechanical state of the aircraft were not provided, it is confirmed that all 10 occupants on board sustained injuries during the accident. The sequence of events indicates that the collision with vegetation was the primary event leading to the post-crash fire.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a tree during an aborted landing attempt.