On September 23, 1996, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration DQ-FIF) operated by Vanua Air Charter was involved in an aviation accident near Ngau, Fiji Islands during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew who completed the landing at an excessive speed on a wet and short grassy runway. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft landing on a wet grass runway at Ngau Airport in fog and rain overran the 760-meter strip, causing injuries to all five occupants and substantial damage.
Incident
The aircraft approached Ngau Airport in poor weather conditions, with fog and rain. The landing was conducted on a grass runway that was wet. The runway length is 760 meters. After touchdown, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining distance and overran the runway. During the overrun, the undercarriage was lost, and the aircraft came to rest a few dozen meters beyond the runway end.
Occupants and Damage
All five occupants sustained injuries during the accident. They were able to escape the aircraft. The aircraft sustained damage beyond economical repair.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified the probable cause as a wrong approach configuration on the part of the crew, who completed the landing at an excessive speed on a wet and short grassy runway.