The Trans Maldivian De Havilland DHC-6-300, registration 8Q-MBC, was bounced while landing on the sea runway at Kuredhu Island on Feb 24th 2020. According to local authority report has been released stating that the aircraft remained airborne after the bounce and banked left, resulting in the left wing tip dipping into the sea. The aircraft was heading from Male to Kuredhu Island (Maldives) with 15 passengers and three crew members.
How do accidents occur?
While landing, the aircraft 8Q-MBC touched down and bounced, which seemed to be controllable to both flight crews. The PIC instructed the FO to increase power for a go-around as soon as the aircraft bounced. Simultaneously, FO heard the fire alarm. After the bounce, when power was applied, the aircraft banked to the left, the left wing tip sinking into the water and diverting the aircraft to the left.
Once the aircraft bounced, the PIC tried to initiate a go-around by increasing power, but the aircraft’s speed dwindled, and the left-wing dropped simultaneously. The FO attempted to level the aircraft but reported very heavy controls.
Immediately following the dip, the PIC tried to shut down the right engine due to the constant buzzing of the fire bell but was unable to do so due to the clogged fuel levers. As a safety precaution, he triggered the fire extinguisher bottles and then switched off the fuel shutoff valves and the right engine boost pump. The PIC directed the FO to visually inspect the right engine for a fire, which the FO verified no visible fire, but the smoke was coming from the engine exhaust.
The FO recalled constantly looking outside for float damage, which is often linked with hard landings.
After obtaining permission from the PIC, the FO initiated the evacuation process, instructing and assisting passengers in removing their seat belts with the aid of the cabin staff. Following that, passengers were told to take their life jackets from under their seats and were required to wear them but were not directed to inflate them. The passengers were instructed to await the arrival of the boat.
About Pilots
The Maldives Accident Investigation Coordinating Committee issued a preliminary report indicating that the first officer was 31 years old and had 1,007 total hours, 768 of which were on type. The captain is 31 years old and has logged 4,436 hours in total, including 2,774 hours on type.
