MOGADISHU, Somalia – A passenger aircraft operated by Starsky Aviation Ltd crash-landed into the sea near Aden Adde International Airport on Tuesday shortly after take-off, following a mechanical failure, officials said.
The plane, which was carrying 50 passengers and was en route to Guriel and Galkaayo, developed technical problems about 15 minutes into the flight.
The crew attempted to return to Mogadishu but was unable to reach the runway, forcing an emergency landing in the water close to the airport.
Emergency response teams, including personnel from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), were immediately deployed to the scene to assist in rescue operations.
Today, a passenger aircraft operated by Starsky Aviation Ltd was involved in an incident near Aden Adde International Airport shortly after take-off. The plane, carrying 50 passengers bound for Guriel and Galkaayo, developed mechanical problems about 15 minutes into the flight
The Officer-in-Charge of AUSSOM, Ambassador Mouktar Osman Karie, accompanied by senior officers, visited the crash site and oversaw rescue efforts, which led to the successful evacuation of all passengers on board.
Authorities confirmed that no fatalities were reported, though several passengers sustained injuries and were swiftly taken to medical facilities for treatment.
Somalia’s Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Farah Nuh, was also present at the scene as emergency teams worked to secure the area and assist survivors.
An investigation has been launched to establish the exact cause of the mechanical failure and the circumstances surrounding the crash-landing.
