Incident Overview
On 14 July 2008, a seaplane operated by MAT (Maldivian Air Taxi) was involved in an accident during a landing attempt at a floating platform near Adaaran Club Bathala. The aircraft, registered 8Q-MAS, was a short nose twin otter aircraft configured with main loading in the aft cabin. The flight was a day VFR, non-scheduled operation under a self-dispatch system.
Pre-Flight and Loading
The aircraft had completed six sectors earlier that day with the same flight crew. Sixteen pieces of baggage weighing a total of 458 lbs were stowed in the aft cabin. The flight manifest, signed by the Pilot in Command, indicated an aircraft loaded weight of 11,874 lbs. Fourteen passengers were on board: 7 females, 6 males, and 1 child. The manifest used approved weights of 141 lbs for females, 181 lbs for males, and 77 lbs for the child. The aircraft carried 930 lbs of fuel. All pre-flight duties were completed by the crew. The weather was windy and the sea was rough.
Departure
The aircraft departed at 12:11 hours from the MAT dock at Male International Airport, Water Aerodrome. The destination was Adaaran Club Bathala, with an estimated flight time of 20 minutes. The passenger manifest included 10 passengers bound for Adaaran Club Bathala, 2 for Nika Maldives, and 2 for W Retreat and Spa (Fesdu).
Sequence of Events
At approximately 12:30, the aircraft approached for landing near a floating platform located at 04°04'43.5"N, 072°56'38.8"E. The wind was from the west at 20 to 25 knots. The aircraft conducted a westbound landing approach. After an orbit over the lagoon to inspect the water conditions, the aircraft touched down and was cutting the wave tops to find a suitable stopping location. It then hit a large wave, became airborne, and veered left. The Pilot in Command declared a go-around. The crew set 10 degrees of flaps, full throttle, and maximum propeller RPM.
During the climb, the aircraft collided with a speed boat named "Angelina" (a 34 ft Triana Express) that was moored to a buoy at 04°04'43.6"N, 072°56'37.1"E. The speed boat was located approximately 165 feet west of the floating platform. After the collision, the aircraft veered to the right, and the Pilot in Command was able to land the aircraft on its left float.
Probable Cause
The official investigation identified the following causal factors:
- The crew's decision to land on rough waters without giving due consideration for a rejected landing and obstacles nearby.
- The speed boat moored to a buoy close to the landing area.