1979-11-05: De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter — South Pacific Island Airways - SPIA — Tau, Samoa Islands (Western Samoa)

No fatalities • Tau, Samoa Islands (Western Samoa) • Landing (descent or approach)

Probable cause

Hard landing and subsequent collision with trees due to improper level off. The following contributing factors were reported: - Improper recovery from bounced landing, - The copilot failed to follow approved procedures, - The copilot did not call out low airspeed on final.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

On final approach to Tau Airport, the copilot failed to call out low airspeed. Following an improper level off, the airplane bounced on landing then veered off runway and collided with trees. All 18 occupants were rescued, among them one passenger was seriously injured.

Probable cause (official findings): Hard landing and subsequent collision with trees due to improper level off. The following contributing factors were reported: - Improper recovery from bounced landing, - The copilot failed to follow approved procedures, - The copilot did not call out low airspeed on final.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-11-05 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Tau, Samoa Islands (Western Samoa)?

On final approach to Tau Airport, the copilot failed to call out low airspeed. Following an improper level off, the airplane bounced on landing then veered off runway and collided with trees. All 18 occupants were rescued, among them one passenger was seriously injured. Probable cause (official findings): Hard…

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-11-05 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 1979-11-05 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration N23BC, operated by South Pacific Island Airways - SPIA, at Tau, Samoa Islands (Western Samoa).

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Hard landing and subsequent collision with trees due to improper level off. The following contributing factors were reported: - Improper recovery from bounced landing, - The copilot failed to follow approved procedures, - The copilot did not call out low airspeed on final.

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