Espíritu Santo – Port Vila
Flight / Schedule
Espíritu Santo – Port Vila
Aircraft
De Havilland DHC-6 Twin OtterRegistration
YJ-RV9
MSN
694
Year of Manufacture
1980
Operator
VanairDate
May 8, 1999 at 07:21 PM
Type
CRASHFlight Type
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Flight Phase
Landing (descent or approach)
Crash Site
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Crash Location
Port Vila All Vanuatu
Region
Oceania • Vanuatu
Crash Cause
Human factor
Narrative Report
On May 8, 1999 at 07:21 PM, Espíritu Santo – Port Vila experienced a crash involving De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, operated by Vanair, with the event recorded near Port Vila All Vanuatu.
The flight was categorized as scheduled revenue flight and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a lake, sea, ocean, river crash site.
12 people were known to be on board, 7 fatalities were recorded, 5 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 58.3%.
Crew on board: 1, crew fatalities: 1, passengers on board: 11, passenger fatalities: 6, other fatalities: 0.
The listed crash cause is human factor. 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.
Aircraft reference details include registration YJ-RV9, MSN 694, year of manufacture 1980.
Fatalities
Total
7
Crew
1
Passengers
6
Other
0
Crash Summary
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.
Cause: Human factor
Occupants & Outcome
Crew On Board
1
Passengers On Board
11
Estimated Survivors
5
Fatality Rate
58.3%
Known people on board: 12
Operational Details
Schedule / Flight
Espíritu Santo – Port Vila
Operator
VanairFlight Type
Scheduled Revenue Flight
Flight Phase
Landing (descent or approach)
Crash Site
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Region / Country
Oceania • Vanuatu
Aircraft Details
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