An investigation is underway after a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration DQ-VAT, operated by HeliTours (Joyce Aviation), was involved in an incident at Wailoaloa in Nadi on Thursday.
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation confirms that preliminary information from the Nadi Air Traffic Control Tower shows that the helicopter was flying from Nadi to Denarau when it was observed descending towards the Boat Club area around 5:23am.
They say a distress call was later made, which immediately triggered emergency response procedures.
The helicopter was subsequently located in the water but remained afloat and largely intact.
The pilot, who was the only person on board, was rescued and no injuries were reported.
Under the Civil Aviation (Occurrence Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 2009, the Minister for Civil Aviation has appointed Captain Norman Walding to lead the investigation into the incident.
Captain Walding is an experienced aviation accident investigator and has previously handled similar investigations in Fiji.
The investigation will focus on determining the causes and contributing factors of the incident, with the aim of improving aviation safety and preventing similar events in the future. The process will not be used to assign blame or liability.
A final report will be released once the investigation is completed.
