Incident Overview
On 13 November 2021 at 17:11 hours local time, a DHC-6-300 aircraft, registration 8Q-MBC, operated by Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), was involved in a serious incident during take-off from Finolhu Resort (Kanifushi Island, Baa Atoll). The aircraft was on a charter flight to Velana International Airport (MLE) with 15 passengers, two pilots, and one cabin crew member on board.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft, a de Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 (serial number 256), was owned and operated by TMA. It had completed nine sectors earlier that day with the same crew. The daily inspection was performed on 12 November 2021, and no open deferred defects were recorded in the Aircraft Technical Log. Pre-flight and walk-around checks were carried out before departure from Velana International Airport, and no abnormalities were reported.
Flight History
The aircraft was dispatched on a multi-sector flight (FLT772157) from Velana International Airport to Maamunaga (MMG), ReethiFaru Resort (RFR), Finolhu Resort (FIN), and back to MLE. The flight departed with 14 passengers: four destined for MMG and ten for RFR. After stops at MMG and RFR, the aircraft arrived at FIN with four passengers. The incident occurred during the take-off from FIN for the return leg to MLE.
Incident Sequence
During take-off from the lagoon in a north-westerly direction, toward a stretch of water bungalows, the crew decided to abort the take-off. They were unable to stop the aircraft. The crew then shut down both engines by shutting off the fuel supply. Under momentum, the aircraft continued moving and came into contact with two adjacent water bungalows, then came to a stop. The aircraft was subsequently towed back to the floating platform, and all passengers and crew disembarked safely.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to its left wing, right wing tip, and one right propeller blade. No other damage was reported.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the incident, strong winds and choppy seas were reported. Data from the nearest automatic weather station recorded wind speeds of 25 mph (21.7 knots) from the west-southwest (WSW).
Investigation
The Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) reported the incident to the Accident Investigation Coordinating Committee (AICC) at 19:04 hours on the same day. The AICC began its investigation the following day.
No injuries to passengers or crew were reported.