2011 Trans Maldivian Airways DHC-6-300 accident at Maadhiggaru Falhu (8Q-TMD)

Overview and Investigation Authority On 11 July 2011, a De Havilland DHC-6-300 Twin Otter floatplane operated by Trans Maldivian Airways Pvt. Ltd. crashed at Maadhiggaru Falhu in South Male’ Atoll, Maldives. The aircraft, registered 8Q-TMD, was conducting a routine training flight when it struck water during a simulated single-engine landing. The Accident Investigation Coordinating Committee (AICC) investigated the event under Article 26 of the Chicago Convention, with technical assistance from the Civil Aviation Department (CAD). The final report was released on 25 December 2011. ## Flight History and Sequence of Events The aircraft, designated TMA flight 201A, departed the water runway at Male’ International Airport at 08:20 local time. The flight carried two crew members and no passengers. The crew was allotted one hour for the training exercise, as both pilots were scheduled for a commercial flight at 09:30. Weather conditions were clear with good visibility and winds of 8–10 knots from the west and southwest. During the training, the crew performed several maneuvers, including steep turns, stalls, and a rejected takeoff. For the final exercise, the captain initiated a simulated single-engine landing by reducing power on the right engine. The crew elected to land on open water outside the lagoon. According to the crew, the initial touchdown was smooth, but the aircraft struck a wave, causing it to bounce approximately 20 feet. At low airspeed, the aircraft banked right; the copilot corrected by banking left, causing the left float to strike the water hard. This impact broke supporting attachments, and the aircraft bounced again, damaging the right-side struts. The aircraft then pivoted to the right and came to a halt around 09:15 local time. The captain cut both fuel levers. ## Damage and Survival Both floats were nearly detached and twisted, with propeller cuts on the forward sections. Wing struts were bent, and propeller blade tips were bent or torn. The right forward step and rear stem were detached. The aircraft remained half-submerged on a reef for nearly three days, causing additional damage, which was further exacerbated during salvage operations. Both crew members survived with no injuries. ## Aircraft and Personnel Details The aircraft, serial number 530, was manufactured in 1977 and owned by Hummingbird Island Airlines. It was powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27 engines and equipped with Hartzell HC-B3TN-3D propellers. The captain, a 34-year-old Maldivian, held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence with 5,732 total flight hours. The copilot, a 44-year-old Sri Lankan, held a Commercial Pilot Licence with 2,650 total flight hours. Both held valid Class 1 medical certificates and DHC-6 floatplane ratings.