Guyana plane crash: Six injured on Fly Jamaica flight…..

Timeline of the Incident

1. Takeoff and Initial Flight: Fly Jamaica Flight OJ256 took off at approximately 2:10 AM local time. Shortly after takeoff, the crew reported technical difficulties, particularly issues with the hydraulic system.
2. Emergency Landing: After circling the airport to burn fuel and attempt a safe return, the pilots made an emergency landing at around 2:53 AM. However, during landing, the aircraft overshot the runway and skidded onto the grassy area surrounding the landing strip. The aircraft’s tires blew upon impact, and it suffered damage to the undercarriage and wing.
3. Emergency Response and Evacuation: Emergency services responded immediately. Passengers were evacuated via the emergency slides as part of the crew’s safety protocol. Six passengers sustained injuries, none of which were reported to be life-threatening. They were transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.

Injuries and Medical Response

Six passengers, including an elderly woman and a child, suffered minor injuries such as cuts, bruises, and sprains. The airline worked alongside Guyana’s Civil Aviation Authority and local emergency services to ensure passengers received medical attention and were accommodated for their onward journey. No fatalities were reported.

Investigation and Preliminary Findings

Following the accident, Guyana’s Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Guyanese government launched an investigation to determine the root cause of the hydraulic system malfunction. Boeing also sent representatives to assist in the investigation. The GCAA’s initial assessment suggested that a malfunction in the hydraulic system impacted the plane’s braking and steering capabilities, which could have contributed to the runway overrun. The flight crew’s quick decision-making was credited with helping avoid more serious consequences.

Impact on Fly Jamaica Airways

Fly Jamaica Airways offered apologies to the passengers and assured them of its commitment to safety. The airline arranged alternate transportation for those needing to reach Toronto and cooperated fully with the investigation. The incident heightened scrutiny of the airline’s maintenance practices and led to enhanced maintenance checks for its fleet.

Passengers’ Reactions

Passengers onboard recounted their harrowing experience, with some expressing gratitude for the flight crew’s composure during the emergency landing. Several passengers captured footage of the aftermath, including the evacuation, which circulated on social media and brought international attention to the incident.

Summary

The Fly Jamaica flight’s emergency landing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of crew training and rapid response systems in aviation safety. With six passengers injured and no loss of life, the incident is a case study in handling mid-flight technical issues, the execution of an emergency landing, and efficient evacuation practices.