Fatal accident involving aircraft at Vanua Balavu Airport

1 fatality • Vanua Balavu, Fiji Islands • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed into trees during its takeoff roll at Vanua Balavu Airport, resulting in one fatality and two injuries.

What happened

During an attempt to depart from Vanua Balavu Airport, an aircraft encountered difficult weather conditions characterized by low visibility. As the flight was performing its takeoff roll, the plane began to drift toward the left side of the runway. The aircraft subsequently veered off the paved surface and struck a group of trees.

The accident resulted in one fatality among the passengers, while the remaining two occupants sustained injuries during the impact.

Findings

Investigations into the crash concluded that the pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the initial phase of takeoff. The primary factor contributing to this loss of control was that the pilot was partially incapacitated by the effects of medication while operating the plane in poor visibility.

Probable cause

The pilot's partial incapacitation due to medication caused a loss of control during takeoff in low-visibility conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1986-09-11 De Havilland DH.114 Heron accident near Vanua Balavu, Fiji Islands?

An aircraft crashed into trees during its takeoff roll at Vanua Balavu Airport, resulting in one fatality and two injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1986-09-11 De Havilland DH.114 Heron accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1986-09-11 involved a De Havilland DH.114 Heron, registration DQ-FEC, operated by Fiji Air Services, at Vanua Balavu, Fiji Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's partial incapacitation due to medication caused a loss of control during takeoff in low-visibility conditions.

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