Accident Overview
A passenger was killed and two other occupants were injured when an airplane veered off the runway during takeoff from Vanua Balavu Airport and collided with trees. The accident occurred after the aircraft initiated its takeoff roll in poor weather conditions.
Sequence of Events
According to the official investigation, the airplane deviated to the left during the takeoff roll, subsequently veered off the runway, and eventually collided with trees. The aircraft was carrying three occupants at the time of the accident: a passenger who was killed, and two others who sustained injuries.
Probable Cause
The official findings state that the pilot lost control of the aircraft during the takeoff roll in poor weather conditions (low visibility) as he was partially incapacitated due to medication.