media release 2 – accident airlink flight update #1 - 24/09/09
ACCIDENT - AIRLINK FLIGHT Update #1 at 11h15
Airlink Media bulletin
Issued 24 September 2009
JOHANNESBURG - Airlink regrets to confirm that its technical positioning flight (ferry flight), SA 8911 positioning from Durban to Pietermaritzburg was involved in an accident at 08h00 today . There were no passengers on board.
The aircraft a Jetstream 41 ( 29 seats ) departed from Durban International Airport and shortly after take-off declared an emergency, crew reported engine loss and smoke from the rear of the aircraft. The aircraft ditched approx 400 m off the Airport in the fields of the Merebank high school on the Bluff and broke into 3 pieces on impact.
We have confirmation that there are no fatalities. The two Pilots are both stable but critically injured. The Flight attendant is seriously injured but also stable. The Captain was airlifted to St Augustine hospital at 11h00.All crew members have been hospitalized in nearby hospitals. We understand that a worker on the ground was slightly injured and was treated at the scene and admitted to hospital for surveillance. Airlink staff are on the scene.
Arrangements have been made for the immediate family of the injured crew to travel to Durban.
Airlink will release further information as soon as it becomes available.
Journalists should call 082 854 1988 for further information.
Issued for Airlink
KARIN MURRAY