What happened
On 5 June 2023, a Viking Air DHC-6-300 floatplane, registration 8Q-ISI, was attempting to depart from the Brennia Kottefaru water aerodrome in the Raa Atoll. The aircraft, operated by Island Aviation Services Limited, was carrying 13 passengers and 3 crew members.
Due to rough sea conditions and high swells outside the lagoon, the crew opted to initiate the takeoff run from within the house reef to avoid more turbulent waters. During the acceleration phase, before reaching takeoff speed, the aircraft struck a high swell. The impact propelled the aircraft approximately 10 feet into the air, causing it to bank sharply to the left.
The pilot-in-command took control to attempt a recovery, but the aircraft dropped into the water outside the lagoon, approximately 100 meters from the original takeoff line. The aircraft landed heavily on its left float. While there were no injuries to the 16 people on board, the aircraft sustained extensive damage, including cracks to the left float bulkheads, a torn float panel, and damage to the left wingtip and wing skin.
Following the initial impact, the crew attempted a second takeoff run without performing a thorough inspection of the aircraft. This second attempt was ultimately aborted due to the heavy swells and the aircraft's weight.
The investigation
The AICC investigation examined the weather conditions, crew experience, and the sequence of events leading to the impact. Investigators noted that while the crew was qualified and medically fit, the first officer (the pilot flying) did not meet the operator's specific requirement of 1500 hours on type for conducting operations at Category C aerodromes.
Additionally, the investigation found that the crew had chosen the takeoff path to minimize taxi time in choppy water, despite the availability of safer, more sheltered waters on the eastern side of the island. The investigation also noted the absence of a wind direction indicator at the aerodrome.