The New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission TAIC, acting on behalf of the country of Vanuatu, has released its final report into the crash of AIR VANUATU Flight 261 on December 19, 2008. On that date, Flight 261 was on Domestic BN 2A Islander Service from Olpoi Northwest Santo Airport to Espiritu Santo Pekoa Airport, Vanuatu, with 9 passengers and 1 Pilot onboard. Shortly after takeoff, the Islander, YJ-RV2, crashed into the top of a 1300 meter high mountain near Olpoi. The wreckage was located the next day, wiht only the Pilot onsite. He had died instantly in the crash. The 9 surviving passengers, all injured, had set out on foot, believing it was their only hope of being found. They were found later that same day. 1 of those passengers ,who suffered critical injuries, died 13 days later. The remaining 8 passengers have since recovered. In its report, TAIC said that the Pilot was qualified to fly the aircraft, and according to the passengers, was fit to fly that day. The aircraft was said to be in good working condition, and the weather was suitable for the Pilot to see terrain. Prior to departure, it was noted that the aircraft was overweight, but the Pilot reportedly did not have a problem with departing. The Islander departed Olpoi at 10:55am. TAIC noted that the Pilot did not have sufficient altitude on approach to area where they crashed. The lee of the ridge where they crashed is known for downdrafts. In addition, the direction from which he approached the lee, did not allow him an alternate route, if the downdrafts were present. It is believed that the aircraft stalled while going over the mountain, which led to the crash. Passengers reported to investigators that the Islander was extremely low, just prior to the crash. The TAIC noted that the seatbelts in the aircraft directly led to the death of the 1 passenger who later died. The full report, which details events from departure to the crash, and the rescue of the passengers, can be found on the TAIC website.
No comments:
Post a Comment