No fatalities

Aircraft Overruns Wet Grass Runway at Ngau Airport, Injuring Five (DQ-FIF)

Ngau, Fiji IslandsLanding (descent or approach)

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).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Sept 1996 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Ngau, Fiji Islands?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Sept 1996 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Sept 1996 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration DQ-FIF, operated by Vanua Air Charter, at Ngau, Fiji Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew who completed the landing at an excessive speed on a wet and short grassy runway.