Flight Details
The aircraft involved in the incident was on a local post-maintenance flight from Papeete-Faaa. The crew consisted of one pilot and one engineer. The purpose of the flight was a check following maintenance.
Incident Sequence
After departing Papeete-Faaa, during the initial climb phase, the pilot experienced control problems. He promptly informed air traffic control of the situation and indicated his intention to return to the airport. However, the control difficulties escalated, and the pilot determined that he could not maintain safe control of the aircraft. Consequently, he made the decision to ditch the aircraft in the water. The ditching took place a few hundred meters offshore.
Aftermath
Following the ditching, the aircraft sank and came to rest at a depth of 21 meters. Both the pilot and the engineer were able to evacuate the aircraft and swim to the shore. The source does not mention any injuries or further details about the condition of the individuals or the aircraft.