Twin-engine aircraft crash into sea following heavy landing

No fatalities • Sangafa-Siwo (Emae Island), Vanuatu • Landing (descent or approach)

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-11-27 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 1997-11-27 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-11-27 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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