What happened
On 22 October 2020, a Viking Air DHC-6-300 floatplane, registration 8Q-TMR, operated by Trans Maldivian Airways, was performing a scheduled flight from Velana International Airport to Sun Siyam IruFushi Resort. The aircraft was carrying 14 passengers and three crew members.
After a successful touchdown within the island lagoon, the flight crew engaged the propeller reverse thrust. Upon selection of reverse, the aircraft began veering sharply to the left toward several anchored vessels. Although the pilot-in-command attempted to regain control by applying maximum reverse power, the aircraft's trajectory continued toward the boats. The left wing of the aircraft struck the vessel Sun Cruise 09, and the left propeller subsequently made contact with the vessel's accommodation structure.
Following the impact, the pilot managed to maneuver the aircraft away from the vessel and taxied to a fixed platform. There were no injuries to the passengers or crew, though both the aircraft and the vessel sustained significant damage.
The investigation
The AICC investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the flight crew's actions, and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Investigators noted that the aircraft had recently undergone a major maintenance inspection (EMMA #4). During this period, errors were identified in the engine run sheets, specifically regarding incorrect torque values and unrecorded engine parameters that were outside of normal limits.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the operational decision-making of the crew. The pilot-in-captain had permitted the first officer to perform the landing to provide practice in a confined area, despite the presence of a left crosswind and the inherent risks of landing in a lagoon near anchored boats.
Findings
- The primary cause of the deviation was asymmetric reverse power produced by the engines during the deceleration phase.
- The landing strip within the lagoon was positioned too close to anchored vessels.
- A 7-knot left crosswind contributed to the difficulty in maintaining the aircraft's centerline.
- There was a lack of appropriate pre-flight crew briefings regarding the specific risks of the landing area.
- Maintenance records contained erroneous data entries following recent engine inspections.