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11 fatalities

Aircraft crash off Bellona Island during flight from Rennell Island (H4-AAC)

Bellona, Solomon IslandsFlight

On October 22, 1978, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration H4-AAC) operated by Solomon Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Bellona, Solomon Islands in flight. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft encountered uncontrollable flight conditions while navigating through a storm. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-14Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the ocean near Bellona Island during a flight through stormy conditions, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a flight traveling from Rennell Island toward Bellona Island, a twin engine airplane encountered severe weather conditions. While the aircraft was in its cruise phase of flight, it became uncontrollable amidst heavy storms. The plane subsequently impacted the ocean surface in the waters near Bellona Island.

There were no distress signals transmitted by the crew prior to the impact. The accident resulted in 11 fatalities, with no survivors reported from the wreckage.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating in stormy weather at the time of the incident.
  • The flight transitioned from a stable cruise into an uncontrolled descent.
  • The loss of control occurred while navigating through turbulent atmospheric conditions.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered uncontrollable flight conditions while navigating through a storm.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Oct 1978 Britten-Norman Islander accident near Bellona, Solomon Islands?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into the ocean near Bellona Island during a flight through stormy conditions, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Oct 1978 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 11 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Oct 1978 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration H4-AAC, operated by Solomon Airlines, at Bellona, Solomon Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft encountered uncontrollable flight conditions while navigating through a storm.

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