media release - airlink flight sa8488 – port elizabeth
SA Airlink Media Bulletin No1 18th November 2009 16h15
INCIDENT – SA AIRLINK FLIGHT SA8488 – PORT ELIZABETH
SA Airlink confirms that its flight SA8488 operating from Port Elizabeth to East London veered off the runway at the commencement of its take off roll at Port Elizabeth. The incident occurred at 15h42 local.
During extremely bad weather conditions including rain and poor visibility, a high velocity wind squall caused a loss of directional control resulting in the aircraft moving off the runway. The quick thinking pilots immediately aborted the take off roll. The aircraft stopped in the grass just off the runway.
All 29 passengers and the three crew members on board are unhurt. Airlink has arranged trauma counselling for all passengers and crew. Airlink staff and trauma councillors are with the passengers at present.
The aircraft appears not to be damaged but will be towed out of the grass verge and properly assessed.
A back-up aircraft and crew is currently being dispatched to Port Elizabeth to continue with the schedule.
SA Airlink will release further information as soon as it becomes available.
Issued for Airlink
CHRIS HOARE