AVIATION consultant Captain Norman Walding has been appointed to lead the investigation into the aircraft incident, involving a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration DQ-VAT on Thursday.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation yesterday confirmed the aircraft is operated by HeliTours (Joyce Aviation) and was travelling from Nadi to Denarau when it went down in the waters off Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi.
According to preliminary information obtained 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.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said emergency response procedures were immediately activated.
“The helicopter was later reported to be in the water; however, it remained afloat and largely intact,” the ministry said in a statement.
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 Norman 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.
“Consistent with the provisions of Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), 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 investigation will not seek to apportion blame or liability.”
A final report will be released upon completion of the investigation.
