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Twin-engine aircraft crash into sea following heavy landing (YJ-RV2)

Sangafa-Siwo (Emae Island), VanuatuLanding (descent or approach)

On November 27, 1997, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration YJ-RV2) operated by Vanair was involved in an aviation accident near Sangafa-Siwo (Emae Island), Vanuatu during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft veered off the runway and entered the sea following an uncontrolled, heavy landing. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-13Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered YJ-RV2
Aircraft registered YJ-RV2. Photo: Phillip Capper from Wellington, New Zealand / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A twin-engine aircraft veered off the runway and plunged into the ocean after a hard landing, resulting in multiple serious injuries.

What happened

During the final stages of its flight, a twin-engine aircraft experienced a high-impact landing on the runway. Following this heavy touchdown, the aircraft became uncontrollable and drifted away from the paved surface. The plane subsequently exited the runway perimeter and crashed into the sea.

All three people on board sustained serious injuries during the accident. The impact with the water resulted in the aircraft being destroyed and deemed a total loss.

Findings

  • The sequence of events began with an uncontrolled descent characterized by a hard landing.
  • Loss of directional control led to the excursion from the runway into the ocean.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the runway and entered the sea following an uncontrolled, heavy landing.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Nov 1997 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Sangafa-Siwo (Emae Island), Vanuatu?

A twin-engine aircraft veered off the runway and plunged into the ocean after a hard landing, resulting in multiple serious injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Nov 1997 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Nov 1997 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration YJ-RV2, operated by Vanair, at Sangafa-Siwo (Emae Island), Vanuatu.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the runway and entered the sea following an uncontrolled, heavy landing.

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