Damaged Twin Otter out of service after being hit by a refuelling vehicle

One of Solomon Airline’s three Twin Otters has been significantly damaged and is now out of service after it was hit by a refuelling vehicle at the airport in January.

“The aircraft remains unserviceable, and the future of the aircraft is yet to be determined, while we proceed with the requirements of the repairs, investigation and due diligence,” Solomon Airlines exclusively told SBMOnline this week.

A South Pacific Old Ltd employee hit the aircraft whilst on duty. After successfully refilling the first aircraft and, on his way, to refill the second twin-otter he was said to have deviated from the usual route resulting in the damage.

SPO is responsible for providing fuel to the Solomon Airlines aircrafts.

The national carrier had confirmed to SBMOnline of the incident.

It says Solomon Airlines ordinarily has three Twin Otter aircraft in service, however currently “we have two Twin Otter aircraft operating due to an on-ground incident at Honiara International Airport recently, when contact by a refuelling vehicle caused significant damage to the fuselage of Twin Otter (DHC-6) registration H4-SIC.”

“We have endeavoured to limit inconvenience to our passengers booked on services that were scheduled to be operated by that aircraft, however the loss of our newest and highest capacity Twin Otter has resulted in us having to consolidate a number of services and as a result of the aircraft being out of service, we have less contingency aircraft capacity available to us in case of unexpected disruptions. We are however managing to keep operations continuing.

“We are currently still seeking a suitable replacement Twin Otter aircraft. The search is ongoing to find an aircraft that not only fits our operational requirements in the Solomons, but is also economically sensible. We cannot yet confirm dates of replacement, however we are working diligently to identify and review all options available,” the airlines, said in a statement.

Speaking to SBMOnline today, General Manager of SPO Carson Korowa confirmed the accident was caused by one of his employees.

He said soon after the accident appropriate measures were taken, which involved both companies and the police.

Korowa said SPOL is working closely with Solomon Airlines on the issue on finding a way forward.

Furthermore, he confirmed that insurance companies representing both organisations are talking to each other regarding the matter.

Solomon Airlines said their current priority is on returning their operations to normal as soon as possible, to minimise any inconvenience to its daily operations.

They also confirmed that there is amiable and open discussion with SPO regarding the matter.

SPO Confirmed that the officer who involved in the accident had since been removed from the company.

• News@sbmonlin2024