Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka announced that a preliminary report on the Northern Air aircraft incident, which occurred last month when the plane overran its landing area and collided with a rock mound at the Gau airstrip, will be released soon.
In a Ministerial Statement, Gavoka explained that the investigation process is typically lengthy, taking over a year, to ensure thorough compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. He emphasized that following the investigation, the Ministry of Civil Aviation will address safety recommendations and implement necessary preventative measures to improve aviation safety.
During his address in Parliament, Gavoka noted that the aircraft involved was a 43-year-old model and was well-maintained by the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, highlighting the importance of strict maintenance and operational standards in aviation.
He mentioned that Northern Air operates a fleet of four aircraft and also uses three additional Cessna planes for its South Pacific Aviation Training Institute (SPATI) flying school based at Nausori Airport. The airline is committed to maintaining high safety standards in its operations.
Gavoka also indicated that the Ministry has appointed an Investigator-in-Charge, who has been given significant authority to gather and examine evidence, issue safety recommendations, and generate both preliminary and final reports. Captain Walding has been designated for this role, tasked with conducting a thorough investigation of the incident, ensuring the preservation of evidence, inspecting the aircraft and its components, and accessing relevant manufacturing and maintenance facilities as required.