The Ministry for Tourism and Civil Aviation has appointed veteran aviation investigator Captain Norman Walding to lead an investigation into Thursday’s helicopter incident off Wailoaloa, Nadi, in which a pilot escaped unharmed.
The incident involved a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration DQ-VAT, operated by HeliTours (Joyce Aviation), which was travelling from Nadi to Denarau when it went down near the Boat Club area.
According to preliminary information from the Nadi Air Traffic Control Tower logbook, the aircraft was observed descending toward the area at approximately 5.23pm before a distress call was transmitted.
Emergency response procedures were immediately activated, with the helicopter later found in the water but still afloat and largely intact.
Emergency services responded swiftly and safely recovered the pilot, who was the sole occupant onboard and sustained no injuries.
In accordance with the Civil Aviation (Occurrence Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 2009, the Minister responsible for Civil Aviation has appointed Captain Walding to investigate the occurrence.
“Captain Walding is a highly experienced aviation accident investigator who has previously led aircraft accident investigations within Fiji,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The investigation will be conducted under the provisions of Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which sets international standards for aircraft accident and incident investigations.
The Ministry emphasised that the purpose of the investigation is not to assign blame but to improve aviation safety.
“The objective of this investigation is to determine the causes and contributing factors of the incident, with the primary purpose of enhancing aviation safety and preventing similar occurrences in the future,” the Ministry said.
“The investigation will not seek to apportion blame or liability.”
A final report will be released once the investigation has been completed.
The appointment of an experienced investigator signals the Government’s commitment to ensuring a thorough examination of the incident and maintaining confidence in Fiji’s aviation safety standards.
