What happened
During an approach to the seaplane base at Raiatea lagoon, an aircraft was performing its final right-hand turn to align with the landing area. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were characterized by good visibility and a grey altostratus ceiling with scattered fractocumulus clouds at approximately 400 meters. The sea surface was notably calm, with no wind or waves present.
As the aircraft completed the turn, the right wingtip made contact with the water. This impact caused the aircraft type to cartwheel before crashing into the lagoon roughly 1,400 meters before reaching the intended landing point. The accident resulted in 15 fatalities, including all three crew members, while 11 passengers sustained injuries. Approximately ten minutes after the impact, the wreckage sank to a depth of 36 meters.
Findings
The investigation concluded that several environmental factors contributed to the accident. The lack of wind and waves, combined with an overcast sky, created a featureless, grey lagoon surface. This absence of visual references made it extremely difficult for the pilot to accurately judge the aircraft's altitude above the water during the landing phase.
Specific contributing elements included:
- The pilot was performing a right turn, which reduced vertical visibility.
- A decision to land facing the northwest—a less common approach at this location—placed the sun in a position that could cause glare.
- The lack of visual cues on the smooth water surface led to an illusion regarding height.
- An attempt to correct the aircraft's alignment caused the right wing to strike the water at an insufficient altitude.