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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka said a preliminary report into the crash last month of a Northern Airways aircraft that exceeded the designated landing zone and collided with a rock pile at the end of the runway at Gau airport is imminent.
In a ministerial statement, Gavoka said the investigation process usually lasts more than a year to ensure thoroughness in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Gavokar said that as is usually expected, after the investigation is completed and the final report is issued, the Ministry of Civil Aviation will ensure that the safety recommendations are appropriately addressed. The Ministry of Civil Aviation will promptly take necessary preventive measures to enhance aviation safety.
Gavoka told Parliament that the aircraft was 43 years old and had been carefully maintained by the Fiji Civil Aviation Authority, stressing the importance of strict maintenance and operating standards.
He said Northern Air owned and operated four aircraft and also operated three Cessna aircraft for its South Pacific Aviation Training Institute (SPATI) flight school, which operates from the Nausori Airport apron.
He said the airline will continue to uphold these high standards to ensure our aviation operations are conducted safely and efficiently.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the ministry has appointed a chief investigator who has been given broad powers to obtain and analyse evidence, issue safety recommendations and prepare preliminary and final reports.
Gavoka said Captain Walding has been appointed and will be responsible for fully investigating the incident, preserving evidence, inspecting the aircraft and components, and entering manufacturing and maintenance sites when necessary.
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