Aircraft overrun at Ngau Airport during landing

No fatalities • Ngau, Fiji Islands • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft overran the runway at Ngau Airport during a landing in adverse weather, resulting in injuries to all occupants.

What happened

During an approach to Ngau Airport, the aircraft encountered challenging meteorological conditions characterized by heavy rain and fog. Upon touchdown on the wet, grass-surfaced runway, the pilot was unable to decelerate the aircraft type sufficiently before the end of the available runway length, which measures 760 meters.

As a result of the inability to stop, the aircraft exited the runway surface and overran the paved/cleared area. During the excursion, the aircraft suffered a loss of its undercarriage. The vessel eventually came to a halt several dozen meters beyond the runway boundary. All five individuals on board sustained injuries during the event, though all were able to evacuate the wreckage. The aircraft was declared a total loss due to the extent of the structural damage.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the accident was the inability to stop on the wet grass runway within the remaining distance.
  • Adverse weather, specifically fog and rainfall, contributed to the landing conditions.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to stop on the short, wet grass runway during landing, leading to a runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-09-23 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Ngau, Fiji Islands?

An aircraft overran the runway at Ngau Airport during a landing in adverse weather, resulting in injuries to all occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-09-23 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-09-23 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?

The aircraft failed to stop on the short, wet grass runway during landing, leading to a runway excursion.

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