MOGADISHU — An airline in Somalia has formally commended one of its pilots following an emergency landing on the beach adjacent to Aden Adde International Airport.
Starsky Aviation confirmed that the passenger plane, carrying 55 people, encountered a technical malfunction shortly after departing Mogadishu on Tuesday morning.
“Quick and Composed Decision-Making”
According to the airline, the pilot’s rapid response was instrumental in ensuring the safety of all 50 passengers and five crew members on board.
“The pilot’s quick and composed decision-making was critical in protecting everyone on board, and we extend our appreciation for his effective handling of the situation,” stated Starsky spokesman Hassan Mohamed Aden.
Technical Issues
According to the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), the aircraft’s crew reported a problem shortly after takeoff and requested permission to return to the airport.
SCAA Director Ahmed Moalim Hassan stated that the plane landed but was unable to halt on the runway, running beyond the tarmac before settling in the shallow waters of the Indian Ocean.
Rescue and Investigation
Passengers were seen exiting the aircraft and moving away from the debris along the coastline. No significant injuries have been documented.
Somalia’s Minister of Transport was present at the location to oversee the situation. The African Union mission in Somalia reported that UN and AU forces were “promptly dispatched” to assist with rescue operations.
Starsky Aviation confirmed that investigations are currently ongoing to identify the precise nature of the technical malfunction that necessitated the emergency landing.
