A South African Airlink plane overshot the runway at George Airport today and landed near the N2 highway, says the Western Cape Safety and Security department.
“It didn’t affect traffic on the freeway, but 35 people were ejected from the aeroplane, three of them with minor injuries,” said spokesman Julian Jansen.
“The plane overshot the runway because the brakes apparently failed.
It left the runway and came to a halt at an intersection between the airport and the N2 freeway,” he said.
Springboks Sevens squad member Deon Helberg was on the aircraft and was uninjured.
The second round of the IRB Rugby Sevens series takes place in George this weekend.
SA Airlink media statement:
SA Airlink regrets to advise that its flight SA8625 operating from Cape Town to George has been involved in an incident on landing at George Airport.
The aircraft an Embraer 135 (37 seat) regional jet ZS SJX is reported as having aquaplaned off the end of the wet runway. The incident occurred at 11h06 local time.
The 30 passengers and 3 crew are unhurt. Airlink has arranged trauma counselling for all passengers and crew. Airport staff and trauma councilors are with the passengers at present.
Weather at the time is reported as being overcast with rain. The aircraft appears to be damaged the extent of which is unknown at this stage.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to our passengers.
SA Airlink will release further information as soon as it becomes available.
[Story appeared on Times Live]
Also view: