Deputy Prime Minister and Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka announced during a parliamentary session this morning that a thorough investigation is currently in progress to ascertain the cause of a Northern Air aircraft’s overrun at Gau airport on July 23.
Gavoka emphasized that the results of this investigation will guide any necessary corrective measures and improvements in aviation safety protocols.
On July 23, a Britten-Norman Islander aircraft overstepped its landing area and collided with a rock pile at the runway’s end. Despite the extensive damage to the aircraft, Gavoka reported that the airport personnel swiftly and safely evacuated the two crew members and three passengers on board without any injuries.
He praised the situation as a reflection of the effective emergency response procedures and the professionalism of the aviation staff. Gavoka reassured both the Parliament and the citizens of Fiji that aviation safety remains a top priority for the government.
Fiji, as a signatory to the Chicago Convention, is committed to adhering to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, which form the foundation of national aviation regulations and ensure that all aircraft, operators, and personnel comply with rigorous safety measures.
In accordance with the Civil Aviation (Occurrence Reporting and Investigation) Regulation 2009, Captain Norman Walding, a Senior Flight Operations Inspector with the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, has been designated as the Aircraft Accident Investigator. Gavoka highlighted Walding’s extensive experience in the aviation sector, noting his five decades in the industry and over fifteen years regulating domestic aviation at CAAF, during which he has conducted numerous investigations.