Pretoria: On the morning of Monday, 7 December an Airlink Embraer 135 commuter jet with 30 passengers and three crew members overshot the runway at George Airport. This incident resulted in injuries and no fatalities.
Upon receiving the news, the Minister of Transport Sibusiso Ndebele immediately instructed the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to investigate the accident and to file a report with the minister by close of business on 11 December 2009.
"On 11 December we received a report which forms part of the general audit carried out by SACAA on Airlink. On Monday we will announce our decision on the matter," said Minister Ndebele.
"In terms of the law we have to present the report to Airlink for the airline to provide answers and responses to the questions asked by a probe of this nature. These are standard questions which assist in the determination of airworthiness and operational health of an airline. Once we have met with the airline through our agency the SACAA, we will then pronounce ourselves on the matter," said
Minister Ndebele.
Minister Ndebele said it was imperative to clear the air as soon as possible.
"We will always be concerned with any incident and accident which threatens the lives of our people. It is our responsibility to increase levels of safety in all modes including buses, taxis, rail, sea and air. Our responsibility is to safeguard the interest of the country, the commuter and those of the airline concerned. We must exercise our mind before we reach any decision," said Minister Ndebele.
The options open to Minister Ndebele include grounding the airline, granting the airline time to sort out its matters, or granting the airline a clean bill of health. These are the options under consideration at the moment.
Enquiries:
Thami Ngidi
Cell: 082 888 0852
Issued by: Department of Transport
12 December 2009
Source: SAPA
