Government appoints investigator for Nadi helicopter incident

The Government has appointed veteran aviation accident investigator Captain Norman Walding to lead an investigation into a helicopter incident off Wailoaloa, Nadi, after the aircraft ditched in waters shortly after take-off and the pilot escaped without injury.

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation confirmed that a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration DQ-VAT, operated by HeliTours (Joyce Aviation), was involved in the incident near the Boat Club area on Thursday, June 11.

Preliminary information from the Nadi Air Traffic Control Tower indicated the helicopter was flying from Nadi to Denarau when it was observed descending towards the Boat Club area at about 5:23am.

A distress call was subsequently made, triggering emergency response procedures.

The helicopter was later located in the water but remained afloat and largely intact.

Emergency personnel responded quickly and safely recovered the pilot, who was the sole occupant on board. No injuries were reported.

Under the Civil Aviation (Occurrence Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 2009, the Minister responsible for Civil Aviation appointed Captain Walding to head the investigation.

The ministry said Captain Walding had extensive experience in aviation accident investigations and had previously led several aircraft accident inquiries in Fiji.

In line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13 provisions, the investigation will focus on identifying the causes and contributing factors of the incident to improve aviation safety and prevent similar occurrences.

The ministry said the investigation would not seek to apportion blame or liability.

A final report will be released once the investigation is completed.