Aircraft crash in Wainivatumbuso gorge

No fatalities • Fiji Islands, Fiji Islands • Flight

A single-engine aircraft crashed into trees in a Fiji gorge during a flight from Suva-Nausori to Nadi, resulting in the total loss of the airframe.

What happened

On the morning of the accident, an aircraft departed from Suva-Nausori Airport at 07:56 local time, destined for Nadi. While the flight was operating at a low altitude during the cruise phase, the plane struck trees and plummeted into a gorge known as Wainivatumbuso, located in the vicinity of Nasauvere.

Following the impact, the pilot sustained significant injuries, including deep lacerations to his legs and face. Despite these wounds, the pilot managed to traverse through thick vegetation on foot. He was eventually located by a local individual who was out hunting pigs in the area.

Findings

  • The aircraft was a total loss following the collision.
  • Impact with trees during low-altitude flight led to the crash into the gorge.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees while flying at a low altitude during its cruise phase.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1955-12-30 De Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover accident near Fiji Islands, Fiji Islands?

A single-engine aircraft crashed into trees in a Fiji gorge during a flight from Suva-Nausori to Nadi, resulting in the total loss of the airframe.

Were there any fatalities in the 1955-12-30 De Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1955-12-30 involved a De Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover, registration VQ-FAQ, operated by Fiji Airways, at Fiji Islands, Fiji Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck trees while flying at a low altitude during its cruise phase.

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