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Float separation during water landing leads to aircraft sinking (8Q-GIA)

Felvoru, Maldivian IslandsLanding (descent or approach)

On February 7, 1987, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration 8Q-GIA) operated by Inter Atoll Air was involved in an aviation accident near Felvoru, Maldivian Islands during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The impact of the aircraft with turbulent sea conditions caused the detachment of the right float, leading to partial submersion. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-13Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft sustained structural damage and partially sank after a float detached during a landing on rough seas.

What happened

During an arrival on a sea surface characterized by significant wave activity, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure. As the plane made contact with the water, the right-hand float was ripped from its mounting. Following this separation, the vessel drifted several dozen meters away from the coast before coming to a halt.

As the aircraft settled into the water, it began to submerge partially. Despite the instability of the craft, all 16 occupants were successfully retrieved from the scene by rescue teams. While the incident resulted in some minor injuries among the passengers and crew, no fatalities were reported. The aircraft was subsequently declared a total loss.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the incident was the impact with relatively rough sea conditions.
  • The structural failure of the right float prevented the aircraft from maintaining stability on the water surface.

Probable cause

The impact of the aircraft with turbulent sea conditions caused the detachment of the right float, leading to partial submersion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Feb 1987 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Felvoru, Maldivian Islands?

An aircraft sustained structural damage and partially sank after a float detached during a landing on rough seas.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Feb 1987 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Feb 1987 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration 8Q-GIA, operated by Inter Atoll Air, at Felvoru, Maldivian Islands.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The impact of the aircraft with turbulent sea conditions caused the detachment of the right float, leading to partial submersion.

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