Accident Details
On 5 October 2020, at 06:58 hours local time, a Viking Air DHC-6-300 floatplane, registration 8Q-TMF, operated by Trans Maldivian Airways Pvt. Ltd. (TMA), was involved in an accident at Velana International Airport (VIA), Maldives. The aircraft had departed Vommuli water aerodrome and was destined for VIA. The flight was conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and was uneventful until after touchdown at VIA.
Weather and Landing Area
At the time of the accident, VIA was experiencing light rain and winds from the west at about 20 knots. This resulted in a left crosswind for aircraft approaching from the south to land on the floatplane takeoff and landing area known as 'North Right', located on the northeast lagoon adjoining the airport.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft touched down on the 'North Right' area. Immediately after touchdown, the aircraft rapidly banked or rolled to the right. The right wing dipped into the water while the left wing rose high in the air. The aircraft swerved to the right and eventually settled upright on both floats, facing south (the direction from which it had landed). The aircraft was then taxied on one engine, assisted by a fire and rescue vessel pushing from the left, until it reached a point where TMA personnel could pull it by rope and secure it to the dock.
Injuries and Damage
All passengers (four) and crew (two pilots and one cabin crew) disembarked safely. One flight crew member and the cabin crew suffered minor injuries. No passenger injuries were reported. The aircraft sustained damage to the right wing, left wing, and left propeller blades. No obvious damage was found on the fuselage, right engine, right propeller, or the floats.
Investigation
The Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) reported the accident to the Accident Investigation Coordinating Committee (AICC) at 08:20 hours, and TMA reported it at 08:21 hours. An investigator from AICC and one from MCAA arrived at the scene at approximately 10:15 hours, initiating the investigation. A third investigator from MCAA joined later that day. The investigation was conducted in accordance with Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention and national regulations.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft was a Viking Air DHC-6-300 (Twin Otter) on floats. It was owned and operated by TMA. Onboard were two pilots, one cabin crew, and four passengers. The pilot-in-command and first officer were both licensed; details are not provided here due to grounding rules.