Aircraft and Flight Details
On 18 November 2009, the flight crew of an Israel Aircraft Industries Westwind 1124A, registered VH-NGA, was conducting a night approach to Norfolk Island. The flight was an aeromedical mission originating from Apia, Samoa. On board were the pilot in command and copilot, along with a doctor, nurse, patient, and one passenger.
Weather and Decision to Ditch
Upon arrival, weather conditions at Norfolk Island prevented the flight crew from seeing the runway or its visual aids, making a landing impossible. Faced with low fuel, the pilot in command elected to ditch the aircraft in the sea before the fuel was exhausted.
Ditching and Rescue
The aircraft broke in two after ditching. All six occupants escaped from the aircraft and were rescued by boat.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause: "The pilot in command did not plan the flight in accordance with the existing regulatory and operator requirements, precluding a full understanding and management of the potential hazards affecting the flight. The flight crew did not source the most recent Norfolk Island Airport forecast, or seek and apply other relevant weather and other information at the most relevant stage of the flight to fully inform their decision of whether to continue the flight to the island, or to divert to another destination. The flight crew’s delayed awareness of the deteriorating weather at Norfolk Island combined with incomplete flight planning to influence the decision to continue to the island, rather than divert to a suitable alternate."