PHILIPSBURG:--- An Air Caraibe Airbus A 330-323 lost one of its engines as it took off from the Princess Juliana International Airport on Tuesday evening. The flight departed St. Maarten to Paris Orly when one of its engines caught fire in the air.
Chief Executive Officer Brian Mingo confirmed the incident and said that the aircraft was not filled to capacity and that it landed safely as it turned around after losing its engine.
Mingo said all passengers are safe. PJIAE CEO said that the flight took off at 7:14 pm with 46 passengers on board and 42 tonnes of fuel (42,000 kilos).
Mingo further explained that the captain heard a loud bang and issued a “Mayday” and at 7:30 pm the aircraft landed safely at PJIAE. Further investigations at the Airport show that the aircraft was 15 minutes in flight when the loud band was heard even in the Cole Bay area, it turned out that the Airbus 330 had lost engine one and returned to the tarmac with one engine.
Bystanders who saw the aircraft in the air told SMN News that they saw flames coming from the aircraft while in the air.
Air Caraibes flight arrives safely at PJIAE after emergency landing
SIMPSON BAY:--- Air Caraibes departed from the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) in St. Maarten with a destination to Orly, France at approximately 7:14 pm. A total of 46 passengers and 11 crew members were on board.
Following the takeoff, the pilot reported an engine failure to the Air Traffic Services (ATS) on St. Maarten. After further communication with the pilot, a “code red” emergency was declared, which indicated a high-level emergency. The aircraft made an emergency landing at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) at approximately 7:29 pm, carrying 42 tons of fuel.
According to the Director of Operations, Mr. Emile Levons, the Air Caraibes aircraft landed safely, and there were no further incidents. In addition, there were no reported injuries among the passengers and crew.
PJIAE Press Release.
