Fatal Water Landing Accident at Raiatea Lagoon (F-AOVV)

Approach and Impact Conditions The approach to the Raiatea lagoon occurred in good weather with a grey ceiling of altostratus clouds and several fractocumulus formations at 400 meters, along with good visibility. The lagoon was very calm, with no wind and no waves. While completing a final right turn to align with the seaplane base landing area, the aircraft's right wingtip struck the water surface. ## Crash and Casualties The airplane cartwheeled and crashed into the sea approximately 1,400 meters short of the intended landing point. Eleven passengers were injured, while 15 other occupants were killed, including all three crew members. The aircraft sank to a depth of 36 meters ten minutes after the impact. ## Official Probable Cause Factors The official findings identified several contributing factors. The uniformly gray sky, absence of wind, and lack of surface lines on the smooth lagoon created favorable conditions for a height illusion, making it difficult to assess exact height above the water during the water landing. Evidence indicated that no maneuver was initiated to change the nose-down attitude, and the pilot did not see the water. Although there was no wind, a windsock had previously stopped in a position that prompted the pilot to land facing northwest, a direction used only once in twenty at Raiatea. Sunlight, even through the altostratus, could be annoying; with a northwest approach, the pilot had the sun three-quarters from the rear. The landing opposite the northwest required a right turn to avoid overflying the city and land. Vertical visibility for the first pilot during a right turn was poorer. Finally, the pilot's slight alignment correction resulted in the right wing striking the water at too low an altitude.