Incident Overview
Date: Thursday 25 July 1991
Aircraft Type: Britten-Norman BN-2A-6 Islander
Owner/operator: Vanair
Registration Number: YJ-RV4
Location: near Olpoi –
ÿ Vanuatu
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 9 / Occupants: 9
Component Affected: Aircraft control system.Aircraft control system.
Category: Accident
A Islander aircraft experienced a loss of control during a mountain flight, resulting in a crash into a forested area at an elevation of 2500 feet. The terrain and vegetation conditions were unfavorable, contributing to spatial disorientation. The pilot lacked experience in low-flying and mountain flying operations.A Islander aircraft experienced a loss of control during a mountain flight, resulting in a crash into a forested area at an elevation of 2500 feet. The terrain and vegetation conditions were unfavorable, contributing to spatial disorientation. The pilot lacked experience in low-flying and mountain flying operations.
Description
The departure track was varied to allow forestry passengers to study trees. The Islander contacted tree tops on a mountain saddle, lost control and crashed into the mountainside forest at an elevation of 2500 feet. The terrain and vegetation was conducive to spatial disorientation. The pilot was not experienced in low flying or mountain flying operations.
Primary Cause
Loss of control during mountain flight due to terrain and vegetation conditions.Loss of control during mountain flight due to terrain and vegetation conditions.Share on:
