What happened
During a night flight from Aitukaki to Rarotonga, a twin-engine aircraft operated by Avaiki Air experienced a catastrophic failure during its approach. While the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 1,700 feet on final approach, it entered an uncontrolled descent. The plane impacted the ocean a few kilometers away from the coast.
Following the impact, the wreckage descended to a depth of roughly 2,400 meters and has not been retrieved. The flight was carrying a total of ten people, including two pilots and eight passengers. During the accident, six fatalities were recorded, while the remaining four occupants, consisting of three passengers and one pilot, were successfully rescued.
Findings
No specific technical cause for the uncontrolled descent was identified in the provided details, though the aircraft's descent into the sea led to the loss of the wreckage at a significant depth.