The Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV) is investigating a fuel starvation and collision with terrain involving Britten-Norman Islander BN2A-20, YJ-AT2, 6 km east-south-east of Port Vila International Airport, Vanuatu, on 15 July 2024. The CAAV requested assistance from the Australian government represented by the ATSB.
To facilitate this support and to provide the appropriate protections for the information, the ATSB appointed an accredited representative in accordance with paragraph 5.23 of the International Civil Aviation Organization Annex 13 and commenced an investigation under the Australian Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.
On 6 September 2024, the CAAV released its Preliminary report into this accident. This report is available here.
Any enquiries relating to the investigation should be directed to the CAAV.
To date, the CAAV and ATSB have:
- examined the aircraft site and wreckage
- collected pilot and aircraft records
- reviewed preliminary operational information
- collected meteorological data
- conducted interviews with relevant parties
- analysed recorded flight data.
The investigation is continuing and will likely include further review and examination of:
- further analysis of recorded data
- audio analysis of ATC recordings
- gathering additional operational information
- examination of flight and duty records
- examination of training records
- conducting additional interviews
- examination of recovered components
- analysis of the operating environment
- examination of the operator’s safety management system
- survivability considerations
A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the CAAV will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken.