Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka has announced that a preliminary report regarding the Northern Air aircraft incident, which occurred last month when it overran the runway and collided with a rock mound at the Gau airstrip, will be released soon.
In a Ministerial Statement, Gavoka explained that the investigation process typically takes over a year to complete, adhering to the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). He emphasized that once the investigation is concluded and a final report is made available, the Ministry of Civil Aviation will ensure that all safety recommendations are properly addressed and any necessary preventative measures are implemented swiftly to improve aviation safety.
During a session in Parliament, Gavoka mentioned that the aircraft involved in the incident is a 43-year-old model, meticulously maintained by the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji. He underscored the critical nature of adhering to stringent maintenance and operational standards.
Gavoka continued by stating that Northern Air operates four aircraft and also has three additional Cessna planes for its South Pacific Aviation Training Institute (SPATI), which is based at Nausori Airport. He reassured that the airline remains committed to maintaining high standards to guarantee safe and efficient aviation operations.
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted that the Ministry has appointed an Investigator-in-Charge, who has been granted extensive authority to gather and analyze evidence, provide safety recommendations, and compile both preliminary and final reports. Captain Walding has been designated for this role, tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, securing evidence, examining the aircraft and its components, and gaining access to manufacturing and maintenance facilities as necessary.