FlightFinder
Casualties unknown

2023-05-16: viking Air DHC-6-300 Aircraft (8Q-TAQ) — MV

MV

On May 16, 2023, a viking Air DHC-6-300 Aircraft (registration 8Q-TAQ) was involved in an aviation accident near MV. This summary draws on records from the Accident Investigation Coordinating Committee of the Maldives (AICC).

Sourcesthe Accident Investigation Coordinating Committee of the Maldives (AICC)Primary reportUpdated 1782716616Data APIEditorial standards

On 16 May 2023, a Viking Air DHC-6-300 floatplane (8Q-TAQ) operated by Trans Maldivian Airways hit a swell during landing at Vommuli water aerodrome, causing extensive left wing damage. No injuries were reported.

Background

On 16 May 2023, a Viking Air DHC-6-300 floatplane, registration 8Q-TAQ, operated by Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), was on a charter flight from Sun Siyam Iru Veli Maldives water aerodrome (IVL) to Vommuli water aerodrome (VOM). The aircraft carried 5 passengers (including 1 infant), 2 flight crew, and 1 cabin crew. The First Officer (FO) was the pilot flying, and the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) was the pilot monitoring, seated in the left seat.

Sequence of Events

According to the flight crew, no abnormalities were observed during the flight until the landing at VOM. The approach was considered normal, and the crew performed descent checks. The FO briefed the PIC on the landing direction and flap settings. The PIC advised adjusting the landing direction to quarter the wind from the right, paralleling the swells, as this was considered the best option based on experience. Both crew members considered the approach normal.

During landing with reduced power, the aircraft hit a swell and bounced. The PIC stated that he instructed the FO to increase power, but the FO accidentally retarded the power levers instead of advancing them. The FO stated that the power levers were moved forward, but power was insufficient due to low airspeed and engine spool-up lag. Immediately after the bounce, the aircraft banked left, and the left wing struck the water. The PIC then took control, stabilized the aircraft, taxied to the fixed platform, and shut down both engines. Passengers disembarked through the main airstair door.

Damage

Damage was limited to the left wing, including:

  • Leading edge skin damage (STA 247.50–376.20), repairable within structural repair manual limits; damaged ribs and hinge arm requiring replacement; several deformed stringers.
  • Upper and lower surface skin damage (same station range).
  • Left aileron dent/deformation.
  • Left outboard fore flap dent/deformation.
  • Left wing tip deformation, repairable within structural repair manual limits.

No other damage was reported.

Injuries

There were no injuries to any of the 8 occupants, including flight crew, cabin crew, and passengers.

More accident analyses