What happened
A flight operated by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, involving a Cessna 208 Caravan with registration VT-AAN, was performing a multi-leg mission between Port Blair, Dugong Creek, and Hut Bay. Following a successful segment from Dugong Creek to Hut Bay, the aircraft departed Hut Bay for its return to Port Blair. The flight plan included an intended landing on the sea surface near Viper Island.
Upon contacting the water, the aircraft experienced a sudden pitch-down motion, causing it to flip over its nose. The aircraft subsequently submerged. During the incident, the crew and passengers attempted to exit the sinking vessel. While three individuals, including the pilot, managed to evacuate the aircraft, one fatality occurred when a passenger remained restrained in their seat and succumbed to drowning.
Findings
- The aircraft suffered substantial structural damage during the impact and submersion.
- There was no evidence of fire during the accident.
- The primary sequence of events involved the aircraft flipping forward upon touchdown on the seawater.