Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has commended the Captain and co-pilot of a Metroliner, operated by African Skies (a South African Charter Company), as well as the emergency services for their role in ensuring a successful emergency landing at Lanseria Airport in Gauteng earlier today, Sunday, 13 June 2010.
“We want to commend the Captain and crew of the Metroliner, as well as the emergency services and all other stakeholders, for their role in ensuring a safe emergency landing at Lanseria Airport,” said Minister Ndebele.
According to initial reports, a chartered Metroliner 19-seater turboprop took off from Lanseria Airport with 13 passengers and two crews on the way to Polokwane. On the approach to Polokwane, the crew determined that there were problems with the undercarriage. They decided to return to Lanseria. They flew around for about an hour to get rid of excess fuel and then completed a “wheels-up landing" where the plane lands on its belly.
The emergency landing took place around 11h30, with emergency services in attendance. The plane was damaged during the landing but the passengers and crew were unharmed. The Accident and Incident Investigation Division of the South African Civil Aviation Authority cleared the removal of the aircraft after initial investigations were concluded. The airport was operational again by 13h30 today, 13 June 2010.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
Issued by: Department of Transport
13 June 2010
