What happened
On 13 November 2021, a DHC-6-300 aircraft, registration 8Q-MBC, was performing a charter flight from Finolhu Resort to Velana International Airport. The flight was part of a multi-sector itinerary and was carrying 15 passengers and three crew members.
During the takeoff roll from the island lagoon, the aircraft headed in a north-westerly direction toward a line of water bungalows. The flight crew observed that the takeoff run was longer than anticipated, and the aircraft momentarily became airborne before settling back onto the water. Realizing the aircraft was too close to the structures, the crew attempted to abort the takeoff. However, the crew encountered difficulty moving the power levers into the reverse position. To mitigate the forward momentum, the crew shut off the fuel to both engines. Despite the shutdown, the aircraft continued moving forward, striking two adjacent water bungalows. The impact caused damage to the aircraft's left wing leading edge, the right wing tip, and one propeller blade, while also damaging the wooden staircases of the bungalows. There were no injuries to the passengers or crew.
The investigation
The AICC examined the aircraft's flight data, technical logs, and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Investigators confirmed that the aircraft's weight and balance were within legal limits and that the flight crew held all necessary valid licenses. The investigation also reviewed the engine control mechanisms, finding no mechanical abnormalities in the levers themselves. Meteorological data indicated that the area was experiencing strong winds of approximately 25 mph from the west-southwest and choppy sea conditions.
Findings
- The takeoff path was inherently risky as the designated takeoff line passed directly over the water bungalows.
- The crew was unable to successfully engage reverse thrust following the decision to reject the takeoff.
- The crew could not steer the aircraft away from the bungalows or shut down the engines quickly enough to prevent the collision.
- Hurry-up syndrome likely contributed to the incident, as the crew was under significant time pressure to complete a final scheduled flight before the end of twilight.
Safety action
- The AICC recommended that all operators identify and formally document appropriate takeoff lines at all water aerodromes to avoid paths that lead toward structures.