Incident
A twin-engine airplane operated by Avaiki Air was completing a flight from Aitukaki to Rarotonga, carrying eight passengers and two pilots. During a night final approach at an altitude of 1,700 feet, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed into the sea a few kilometers offshore. The aircraft quickly sank to a depth of about 2,400 metres, and the wreckage was not recovered.
Rescue Efforts
Following the accident, three passengers and one pilot were rescued. The remaining six occupants were killed.
Investigation
Investigators were unable to recover the wreckage due to the depth of the sea. The loss of control occurred during a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) approach by night in excellent weather conditions.
Probable Cause
Due to lack of evidence, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined with certainty. The loss of control occurred during a VFR approach by night in excellent weather conditions.