History of the Flight
On 4 October 2017, a Viking Air DHC-6-300 (registration 8Q-ISB, serial number 655) operated by Island Aviation Services Limited was on a scheduled visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Niyama Private Island to Velana International Airport. The aircraft carried 15 passengers, two pilots, and one cabin crew member. The first officer was the pilot flying for the landing.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft approached Velana International Airport water aerodrome and was instructed to join right base for the North Right Water Runway at an altitude of 500 feet. There was light rain and gusting westerly crosswinds due to approaching inclement weather. During landing, the aircraft first touched down on its left float and bounced. The captain initiated a go-around by applying full power while the flaps remained fully extended. The aircraft was at a very low speed in a nose-high, right-wing-low attitude. It then touched down on the right float, causing the right wing tip to dig into the water. The aircraft began turning right toward the shore, continued to bank right, and finally flipped and crashed into the sea, coming to rest upside down in shallow water facing south. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Aftermath
All passengers and crew evacuated the aircraft before rescue boats arrived. They were taken to the ARFF Marine Station and subsequently to Hulhumale Hospital for medical assessment. The accident site was secured by the Maldives National Defence Force, and the wreckage was salvaged on the same day for investigation.
Investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Accident Investigation Coordinating Committee (AICC) in accordance with Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention. The AICC was assisted by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, Island Aviation Services Limited, the Maldives National Defence Force, and the Maldives Police Service. The final report was released on 23 January 2019.