On July 25, 1991, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration YJ-RV4) operated by Vanair was involved in an aviation accident near Olpoi, Vanuatu during takeoff. 9 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot, inexperienced in low flight operations over mountainous terrain, modified his route after takeoff to allow passengers to observe forests. He lost control after suffering spatial disorientation. 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.
Seven minutes after takeoff from Olpoi Airport, a twin-engine aircraft hit treetops and crashed in wooded, hilly terrain. The aircraft was destroyed; all nine occupants died. The investigation cited spatial disorientation and a route change for forest observation.
Accident Description
Approximately seven minutes after departing from Olpoi Airport, a twin-engine aircraft struck tree tops while climbing and subsequently crashed in a wooded and hilly area located a few kilometers from the airstrip. The impact destroyed the aircraft and claimed the lives of all nine persons on board.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the pilot, who lacked experience in low-altitude flight over mountainous terrain, altered the planned route after takeoff in order to allow the passengers—students of forestry—to observe the local forests. The pilot subsequently lost control of the airplane after suffering spatial disorientation.