media release 3 – accident airlink flight update #2 - 24/09/09
ACCIDENT - AIRLINK FLIGHT Update #2 at 16h30
Airlink Media bulletin
Issued 24 September 2009
JOHANNESBURG - Airlink regrets to confirm that its positioning flight (ferry flight), SA 8911 from Durban to Pietermaritzburg was involved in an accident at 08h00 today . There were no passengers on board.
We have confirmation that there are no fatalities. Our three crew members and a bystander on the ground are in hospital in Durban receiving medical attention for their injuries.
Flight Attendant Rodelle Oosthuizen sustained facial injuries and a fractured spine. She is stable.
Capt Alistair Freeman sustained multiple injuries including facial fractures, broken ribs and ankle and a suspected punctured lung. He is currently critical and on ventilation.
First Officer Sonja Bierman also sustained multiple injuries. She is in a stable condition. She has broken both her ankles and a hand and has sustained fractures in the pelvic area and chest.
The member of the public bystander, whose name is not yet known, is understood to be receiving medical attention in the intensive care unit.
Airlink executive management is at the hospital to ensure that the best medical care is being rendered and to support the immediate family of the bystander and its injured personnel.
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.
The Jetstream 41is a reliable aircraft with an impeccable safety record, built by British Aerospace in Prestwick Scotland. There are over 100 examples of the type built, of which 72 remain in active service in 21 airlines around the world. Airlink operates 15 of these aircraft. The crashed aircraft had all maintenance items current, with no known defects. While having been in service with Airlink since 1995, the aircraft was nearing its midlife stage with more than 30,000 hours of service remaining.
SA Airlink will work 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 has taken care of the travel and hotel accommodation arrangements for immediate family to be at the side of their loved ones.
SA Airlink advises that its scheduled air services have not been disrupted . Operations and continue as normal.
Journalists should call 082 854 1988 for further information.
Issued for Airlink
KARIN MURRAY