Summary
On 23 October 2018 a Cessna U206G registered YJ-AL5, was being operated on a charter flight from Tanna Island to Port Vila, Vanuatu, with one pilot and four passengers onboard. While abeam Erromango Island, in cruise at 6,500 ft, the engine failed.
Following unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine, the pilot diverted to Dillon's Bay Airport, on Erromango Island, where the aircraft landed short into trees. The Civil Aviation Authority Vanuatu (CAAV) is conducting an investigation into this occurrence.
As part of its investigation, the CAAV requested technical assistance from the ATSB. The ATSB was asked to oversee the engine examination from the accident aircraft.
To facilitate this request, the ATSB initiated an external investigation under the provisions of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003. That work is now complete.
The CAAV is responsible for and will administer the release of the final investigation report into this accident.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AE-2019-009 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 23/10/2018 |
| Location | near Dillion’s Bay Airport, Erromango Island, Vanuatu |
| State | International |
| Report release date | 18/04/2023 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation level | Short |
| Investigation type | External Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Engine failure or malfunction |
| Occurrence class | Serious Incident |
| Highest injury level | Minor |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company |
|---|---|
| Model | U206G |
| Registration | YJ-AL5 |
| Serial number | U20604563 |
| Aircraft operator | Air Taxi Vanuatu |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Charter |
| Departure point | White Grass Airport, Tanna Island |
| Destination | Port Vila, Vanuatu |
| Damage | Substantial |