What happened
On May 27, 2017, at approximately 08:35 local time, a Viking Air DHC-6-300 operated by Trans Maldivian Airways was performing a chartered flight from Rangali Island to Velana International Airport. The aircraft, registration 8Q-TMV, was carrying two pilots, one cabin crew member, and nine passengers under visual flight rules.
During the landing sequence at the North Right Water Aerodrome, the aircraft touched down on its left float, causing it to bounce. Following a second bounce, the aircraft remained airborne but began to bank heavily to the right. During this maneuver, the right wingtip struck the water, causing the aircraft to veer sharply and crash. The impact resulted in the aircraft submerging. All 12 occupants successfully evacuated the aircraft before it was fully underwater and were rescued by nearby vessels.
The investigation
The AICC investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, crew qualifications, and the sequence of the landing. Investigators found that the aircraft had undergone non-routine maintenance the previous evening and was released for flight with no deferred defects. The crew had performed all required pre-flight checks, including verifying the status of the floats.
Technical analysis of the wreckage revealed extensive damage, including a split rudder, crushed nose cone, and significant deformation to the fuselage and wings. The investigation also noted that while the pilots were properly certified, this was the first time the two pilots had flown together, and no formal crew briefing had been conducted prior to the flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the improper recovery techniques used following a bounced landing, specifically the application of full power for a go-around while the aircraft was at a low speed and a high nose attitude with flaps fully extended.
- A breakdown in crew coordination occurred during the attempted go-around, exacerbated by the lack of a pre-flight crew briefing.
- The aircraft experienced a wing stall during the recovery attempt, leading to the right wingtip dipping into the water.
- The aircraft was properly maintained, and the weather conditions were not a contributing factor to the accident.