Trend deep summary
All 55 people aboard a Somali passenger plane survived after it overran a runway in Mogadishu and crash‑landed in shallow ocean water, prompting a safety investigation.
What's happening
A Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 departing Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport for Gaalkacyo reported a technical fault about 15 minutes after takeoff and attempted to return for an emergency landing. The aircraft touched down but failed to stop on the runway, overrunning the tarmac and coming to rest in shallow water along the Indian Ocean shoreline near the airport. All 55 occupants were evacuated and taken to hospital for evaluation, with officials reporting no injuries or fatalities. Somali authorities and the airline have opened investigations into the cause of the incident, focusing on the reported technical problem and the runway overrun.
Key points
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The Starsky Aviation Fokker 50, registration 60‑YAS, was carrying 50 passengers and 5 crew on a flight from Mogadishu to Gaalkacyo when it experienced a technical fault shortly after departure.
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The pilot requested to return to Aden Abdulle International Airport, where the aircraft landed but overshot the runway and ended up in shallow water on the Indian Ocean shoreline.
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Starsky Aviation and Somali officials stated that all 55 people on board survived, with no reported injuries or deaths, though everyone was taken to hospital for medical evaluation.
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Airline representatives and officials praised the pilot’s calm and decisive actions, crediting them with helping to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
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The Somali Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the aircraft details and mobilization of emergency responders, and said investigations will review maintenance records and other factors to determine the exact cause.
Context and implications
The incident underscores ongoing scrutiny of aviation safety in Somalia and the wider region. While the survival of all on board highlights effective emergency response and crew training, authorities have emphasized that the precise technical malfunction and reasons for the runway overrun remain unclear. Investigators are expected to examine aircraft maintenance, operational procedures, and airport conditions to assess whether systemic issues contributed to the emergency. Findings could influence regulatory oversight and safety protocols for domestic operators.
Plane with 55 on board crashes after takeoff in Somalia; all survive — watch – The Times of India