A pilot from Somalia managed to save all passengers of a commercial airplane after a spectacular emergency landing on the seashore, near the international airport in the capital. The aircraft overshot the runway and came to a stop in shallow waters, but none of those on board were seriously injured.
According to BBC reports, the plane belonged to Starsky Aviation company and was operating a domestic flight from Mogadishu. On board were 50 passengers and five crew members.
Technical malfunction shortly after takeoff
The aircraft crew, a Fokker 50, reported a technical issue shortly after takeoff and requested an emergency return to the airport. According to the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, the pilot attempted to safely land the plane, but the aircraft failed to stop on the runway.
The institution's director, Ahmed Macalin Hassan, stated that the aircraft overshot the runway and came to a stop in the shallow waters off the coast of the Indian Ocean. The exact cause of the malfunction is currently unknown, and an investigation is ongoing.
Images shared on social media show passengers disembarking from the plane and moving away from the partially submerged wreck. Authorities have announced that no serious injuries have been reported.
The African Union Mission in Somalia conveyed that UN and African Union troops were "rapidly deployed" to support the rescue operations. The Minister of Transport from Somalia also arrived at the scene.
Pilot praised for "quick and calm decisions"
Starsky Aviation company emphasized that the pilot's prompt reaction was crucial in avoiding a tragedy.
"We are relieved to confirm that all passengers and crew are safe. Investigations are underway to determine what caused the technical issue that led to the emergency landing," said spokesperson Hassan Mohamed Aden.
He added that "the quick and calm manner in which the pilot made decisions played a decisive role in ensuring the safety of everyone on board."