De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter crash, May 8, 1999 (7 killed)
De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident on May 8, 1999 near Port Vila, Vanuatu with 7 fatalities. Cause: Probable loss of situational awareness after...
- Date: May 8, 1999
- Aircraft: De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter
- Location: Port Vila, Vanuatu
- Fatalities: 7
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
- Cause: Probable loss of situational awareness after losing visual contact with the airport lights, leading to loss of control on approach.
A Vanair DHC-6 Twin Otter on a scheduled flight from Espiritu Santo was making a night approach to Port Vila in heavy rain. After losing sight of the airport lights, the aircraft went down in the sea about 11 km from the airport. Seven people, including the pilot, were killed and five were rescued.