JOHANNESBURG - Airlink would like to provide an update on the status of
its positioning flight (ferry flight), SA 8911 from Durban to
Pietermaritzburg which was involved in an accident at 08h00 on Thursday 24
September 2009 . There were no passengers on board and no fatalities.
Our three crew members and a bystander on the ground are in hospital in
Durban receiving medical attention for their injuries.
1. Flight Attendant Rodelle Oosthuizen sustained facial and back
injuries. She is stable and will be operated on today.
2. Capt Alistair Freeman sustained multiple injuries including facial
fractures, broken ribs and ankle and a suspected punctured lung. He is
still critical but stable and will be operated on his legs today, once the
facial swelling has reduced his facial fractures will be attended to.
3. First Officer Sonja Bierman also sustained multiple injuries. She is
in a stable condition and currently under sedation. She has broken both her ankles and a hand and has sustained fractures in the pelvic area and chest. Her ankles were operated on successfully yesterday.
4. The member of the public, Mr Abraham Mthethwa sustained leg
fractures and will be operated on today, He is critical but in a stable
condition.
5. Airlink can confirm that the wreckage of the aircraft has been
released to Airlink's on-site technical team, who are working closely with
the South African Civil Aviation authority in its investigation of the
accident. The digital flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have
been retrieved and will be analyzed. The original equipment manufacturer
BAE SYSTEMS PLC has dispatched a team of technical experts to assist with the investigation should they be required by the SACAA.
Airlink executive management is at the hospital to support the Family and
loved ones and the injured personnel. Airlink can also confirm that trauma
counseling for the Family members has been arranged for today.
The aircraft a Jetstream 41 (29 seats) departed from Durban International
Airport and shortly after take-off declared an emergency. It had been
reported on the active Air Traffic Control radio channel by other pilots and
air traffic controllers that smoke was seen coming from one of the engines. The crew then reported that they had encountered engine loss of power and they declared an emergency.
The aircraft ditched approx 400 m off the Airport. It appears that the crew was executing a forced emergency landing. They had selected a small open field in the built up area which was clearly not adequate for this purpose. The aircraft impacted a concrete palisade fence and columns and came to rest on the sports field of Merebank High school in the Bluff area.
It is remarkable that the skill and expertise of the pilots was such that in
this emergency they were able to pilot their aircraft to avoid contact with
members of the public and buildings and that a major catastrophe was
averted. Pilots are specifically trained for engine "power loss on takeoff"
emergencies, and clearly this training has played its role. As luck would
have it, due to it being a public holiday, there were no learners at school
at the time.
Airlink has taken care of the travel and hotel accommodation arrangements for immediate family to be at the side of their loved ones.
Airlink advises that its scheduled air services have not been disrupted .
Operations continue as normal.
Journalists should call 082 854 1988 for further information.
Issued for Airlink
KARIN MURRAY