News / Ill co-pilot sparks emergency
AN EMERGENCY was declared at Sumburgh Airport on Thursday evening when the co-pilot on an incoming Loganair plane with 19 people on board became “extremely unwell”.
Emergency services including three fire appliances and the Lerwick and Aith lifeboats were dispatched, as is procedure, when the call came in from the Saab 340 just before 7pm.
The plane, which was flying from Kirkwall, landed safely and emergency services were stood down soon around fifteen minutes later.
A spokesman for Loganair said: “Flight BE6939 was enroute from Kirkwall to Sumburgh carrying 16 passengers and three crew. The captain of the Saab 340 aircraft declared a PAN call-sign after the first officer became extremely unwell but proceeded to land safely in Sumburgh Airport – met by emergency services as is procedure in these situations.
“Loganair’s pilots and crew are extensively trained to deal with this type of scenario and the captain landed the aircraft safely and ahead of schedule.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
