Crash of a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter 300 off Port Vila: 7 killed
Date & Time:
May 8, 1999 at 1921 LT
Registration:
YJ-RV9
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Espíritu Santo – Port Vila
MSN:
694
YOM:
1980
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
11
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
7
Circumstances:
The approach to Port Vila Airport was conducted by night and heavy rain falls. On final, the pilot lost control of the airplane that crashed in the sea about 11 km from the airport, 8 km offshore. Five people were rescued while seven others including the pilot were killed.
Probable cause:
It is believed that the pilot may have lost control of the airplane after suffering a loss of situational awareness after he lost visual contact with the airport lights.