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Casualties unknown

2015-07-02: Viking Air DHC-6-300 (8Q-MAN) — MV

MV

On July 2, 2015, a Viking Air DHC-6-300 (registration 8Q-MAN) was involved in an aviation accident near MV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was operated outside of the centre of gravity limitations; load distribution errors went undetected because mass and balance calculations were not carried out in accordance with approved procedures; the co-pilot was not alerted to the impending… This summary draws on records from the Accident Investigation Coordinating Committee of the Maldives (AICC); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Accident Investigation Coordinating Committee of the Maldives (AICC)Primary reportUpdated 1782716616Data APIEditorial standards

On 2 July 2015, a DHC-6-300 floatplane crashed into the sea near Kuredu, Maldives, after a stall during final approach. All 14 occupants evacuated without injury. Investigation identified CG exceedance, load calculation errors, and failure to recognize stall.

Synopsis

On 2 July 2015 at 1733 hours local time, a Viking Air DHC-6-300 floatplane registered 8Q-MAN, operated by Trans Maldivian Airways, crashed into the sea approximately 3 km southeast of Kuredu, Maldives. The flight, FLT371301, was a VFR charter from Komandoo to Kuredu carrying 11 passengers and three crew. While on final approach at about 400 feet, the pilot selected flaps fully down, causing the aircraft to pitch up and vibrate. The pilot flying (PF) could not maintain control and the pilot-in-command (PIC) took over. The stall warning light illuminated. The PIC applied full left rudder, moved the control column forward, and set power levers to idle, but the aircraft did not respond. After moving flaps to the fully up position, the PIC regained some control, but the aircraft continued turning right, lost height, and impacted the sea. On impact, the left float detached; the aircraft bounced and the right float also detached but remained trapped. The aircraft stayed afloat long enough for all occupants to evacuate without injury before sinking.

Flight History

The aircraft had flown eight sectors the day before and four sectors on the accident day without reported defects. Both pilots reported for duty at 0845 on the accident day. The co-pilot had returned from annual leave the previous day, and the PIC had two days off prior. Pre-flight checks included pumping water from the floats, which was recorded as within limits.

Causal Factors

The investigation identified four causal factors:

  • The aircraft was operated beyond its center of gravity limitations.
  • Load distribution errors occurred because mass and balance calculations were not performed according to approved procedures.
  • The co-pilot did not observe the stall warning light or hear the aural warning, so was not alerted to the impending stall.
  • The PIC failed to recognize the developing stall and applied incorrect recovery procedures, preventing regaining control.

Recommendations

Twelve safety recommendations were issued to the Civil Aviation Authority, the operator, the supplemental type certificate holder (Wipaire, Inc.), and the search and rescue provider (MNDF).

Probable cause

The aircraft was operated outside of the centre of gravity limitations; load distribution errors went undetected because mass and balance calculations were not carried out in accordance with approved procedures; the co-pilot was not alerted to the impending stall; and the PIC was not able to gain control of aircraft as developing stall was not recognised and incorrect recovery procedures were applied.
Loss of control in flight

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