What happened
On May 23, 2024, at approximately 1500 local time, a Viking Air DHC-6-300 floatplane with registration 8Q-ISI was conducting a charter passenger transport operation. The aircraft, operated by Island Aviation Services Ltd, had originally departed Velana International Airport (MLE) earlier that day bound for Orivaru water aerodrome in Noonu Atoll. Due to deteriorating weather conditions, the crew decided to return to MLE. However, upon arrival, the airport was closed for visual flight rules (VFR) traffic, prompting the crew to divert to KudaHura water aerodrome.
At about 1500 hours, the aircraft attempted to depart from KudaHura back toward MLE. During the takeoff run on the water, the aircraft encountered a swell which caused it to become airborne momentarily before dropping back onto the surface. The impact struck the left wing, left engine, and propeller assembly. Despite the crew's efforts to maintain control, the aircraft sustained significant structural damage but remained upright on its floats.
Following the incident, the crew taxied the aircraft to a floating platform and shut down both engines. Passengers disembarked safely and were transported by boat to a nearby resort. No injuries were reported among the three crew members or the eleven passengers.
The investigation
The Maldives Accident Investigating Coordinating Committee (AICC) initiated a preliminary safety investigation into the serious incident. The aircraft was subsequently salvaged and transported back to the operator's main base atop a landing craft for further examination. Weather data recorded at MLE at the time of the occurrence indicated pressure of 1005.1 hPa, wind direction from 270 degrees at 26 mph with gusts up to 52 mph, air temperature of 28.0°C, and relative humidity of 94%.
Findings
Initial investigations revealed extensive damage to the left side of the aircraft:
- Left Propeller: All three blades were severely bent, and the left engine was seized, preventing the propellers from rotating freely.
- Left Wing Structure: The left wing tip fairing was missing with a damaged rib. The left wing fence had shifted, and the trailing edge upper skin between STA 335 to 376.20 was damaged. The outboard fore flap, aileron, trim tab, and outboard trailing edge skin were also dented or damaged.
- Engine Nacelle: The left engine cowling was misaligned and jammed. The nacelle's outboard longeron was cracked and separated, while the inboard longeron bulged and cracked.
- Fuselage: The nose section at STA 100 exhibited a crack in the skin.
- Exhaust System: The left engine exhaust duct skin was buckled and cracked in two places.
The probable cause of the incident appears to be the aircraft striking a swell during takeoff, leading to loss of control and subsequent structural damage. Contributing factors may include adverse weather conditions and water surface state at the time of departure.