What happened
On 13 October 2024, a DHC-6-300 floatplane, registration 8Q-TBB, was performing a charter flight between Malé, Halaveli, and Bathala. During the approach to the Bathala water aerodrome, the pilot flying had to deviate slightly from the standard approach path to avoid a local vessel. This deviation resulted in a touchdown with a higher-than-normal flare.
Upon touching the water, the aircraft encountered a sea swell, causing the plane to bounce. The crew immediately initiated a go-around procedure, applying maximum power and setting flaps to 10 degrees. However, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient lift and began to yaw to the left. The aircraft subsequently entered a stall and dropped onto the water, striking the left float and wing. During the impact, the right engine experienced a flame-out, and a generator caution light illuminated. The aircraft eventually came to a stop and was safely moved to a floating platform.
There were no injuries among the 10 passengers or the 3 crew members, though two children sustained minor head bumps during the impact.
The investigation
The AICC investigation examined the aircraft's technical records, weather conditions, and crew performance. The investigation found that the aircraft had undergone recent major maintenance inspections approximately 60 flight hours prior to the event and had no pre-existing mechanical defects. Meteorological data indicated moderate westerly winds and choppy sea conditions at the time of the accident.
Investigators also reviewed the crew's actions, noting that while the First Officer was acting as the pilot flying, the Pilot-in-Command did not intervene during the initial bounce or the subsequent go-around attempt. The investigation also noted the absence of flight recorder data (FDR/CVR) to precisely quantify the aircraft's airspeed and control inputs during the transient phase of the accident.