Six passengers and their pilot experienced a fortunate escape without serious injuries following a landing mishap at Yasawa Aerodrome yesterday. This incident involved a GA-8 Airvan aircraft, registration DQ-VAN, as confirmed by the Fiji Government.
The aircraft took off from Nadi Airport at 9:49 AM, but upon landing at Yasawa Aerodrome, it exceeded the runway limits and came to a stop just beyond the runway strip. Fortunately, no one on board was seriously hurt, though the aircraft did suffer damage to its nose wheel and propeller.
In a positive update, the runway at Yasawa Aerodrome remains operational, allowing aviation activities to continue without disruption. Viliame Gavoka, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, has announced the appointment of an investigator who will conduct a detailed inquiry into the accident, adhering to established procedures and international standards. The insights gained from this investigation are expected to inform necessary safety enhancements in the aviation sector.
Overall, while the incident could have been more serious, the quick response and ongoing operational status of the airstrip highlight resilience in ensuring passenger safety.
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