A Starsky Aviation plane carrying 55 people crashed into shallow waters of the Indian Ocean after overshooting the runway at Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport on Tuesday (February 10). Remarkably, all passengers and crew survived without serious injuries.
The Fokker 50 aircraft developed mechanical problems approximately 15 minutes after takeoff and attempted to return to the airport, according to a press release from the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA). The emergency landing occurred around 1:17 p.m. local time when the plane overran the runway and ended up in the ocean.
“We are relieved to confirm that all passengers and crew are safe. Investigations are underway to establish what caused the technical issue that led to the emergency landing,” Starsky spokesman Hassan Mohamed Aden said, as reported by the BBC.
The airline credited the pilot’s quick decision-making as crucial to the positive outcome. “The pilot’s swift and calm decision-making played a decisive role in ensuring the safety of everyone on board, and we commend him for how he handled the situation,” Aden added.
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia reported that UN and AU troops were quickly deployed to assist with rescue efforts.
Somalia’s Transportation Minister Mohamed Farah Nuh confirmed that everyone aboard was accounted for and stated that the cause of the crash would be fully investigated. The SCAA is working with authorities to gather information, with further updates expected as the investigation progresses.
Recent Comments