Vanua Balavu - Suva-Nausori

On September 11, 1986 at 11:45 AM, Vanua Balavu - Suva-Nausori experienced a crash involving De Havilland DH.114 Heron, operated by Fiji Air Services, with the event recorded near Vanua Balavu All Fiji Islands.

The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

3 people were known to be on board, 1 fatalities were recorded, 2 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 33.3%.

Crew on board: 1, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 2, passenger fatalities: 1, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. Takeoff from Vanua Balavu Airport was initiated in poor weather conditions. During the takeoff roll, the airplane deviated to the left then veered off runway and eventually collided with trees. A passenger was killed while both other occupants were injured.

Aircraft reference details include registration DQ-FEC, MSN 14078, year of manufacture 1955.