15 fatalities

1991-09-27: De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (H4-SIA) — Solomon Airlines — Mt Nasuha, Solomon Islands

Mt Nasuha, Solomon IslandsFlight

On September 27, 1991, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration H4-SIA) operated by Solomon Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Nasuha, Solomon Islands in flight. 15 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781211659Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft with 15 people on board crashed into Mount Nasuha on Guadalcanal Island after encountering poor weather. The crew was flying under visual flight rules in instrument meteorological conditions. All occupants were killed.

Accident Details

The aircraft departed Honiara-Henderson Airport on a flight to Kirakira, carrying 13 passengers and two pilots. En route, the crew encountered poor weather conditions. While cruising at an altitude of 4,100 feet in poor visibility, the aircraft struck the southern slope of Mount Nasuha, located in the southeast part of Guadalcanal Island. The wreckage was found three days later in an isolated area, and all 15 occupants were killed.

Weather and Conditions

The flight experienced poor weather with low visibility. It was reported that a local DME system was out of service at the time of the accident due to maintenance. The crew was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) but were flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

Probable Cause

Controlled flight into terrain.