But upon its approach to the state capital, the GAF N-22B Nomad crashed in the shallow waters of the sea off the district of Sembulan, claiming the lives of 11 people.
The Double Six Crash, as it came to be known based on the date, had a monumental impact on Sabahans at the time.
Fuad Stephens, who had just returned to the Sabah chief minister post after a decade, was the most high-profile victim.
There were many other big names among the deceased, including state ministers Salleh Sulong, Peter Mojuntin and Chong Thien Vun, as well as Fuad's eldest son Johari Stephens...