Cayman Airways flight KX 200 has just returned to Cayman air space after taking off for Tampa, Florida today, Thursday morning.
The plane is still in air and passengers are anxious to land. Emergency services are in route to ensure a safe landing.
One passenger on board explained it as “the scariest experience she has ever had on a plane.” The passengers first heard a loud bang followed by a drop in the elevation of the plane to the right side. Further, the plane dropped and then was brought under control. One person started hyperventilating and praying on the flight.
This is a still a developing story and we have reached out to Cayman Airways for a quote on the matter. Other sources have told us that a similar incident happened last week.
Apparently the flight was in the air for some time was the pilots were circling to dump fuel. A common practice during planned emergency landings so that the plane can be as a light as possible.
UPDATE: Flight has landed safely with fire rescue and other emergency personnel on the ground. RCIPS had all road cleared and blocked also. CMR understands its the 800 the new plane and the pilots were Kel Thompson and Stephen Coe.
Passengers expressed a great appreciation for Cayman Airways pilots and staff on how the matter was handled. There was another available plane on the ground and the flight was re-booked to leave at 2:30 p.m.
Cayman Airways has released the following statement on their website:
Cayman Airways confirms that flight KX200, which departed Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) on Grand Cayman at 11:50 am destined for Tampa, Florida today, experienced a problem with one of its engines shortly after takeoff. The captain declared an emergency and returned the aircraft to ORIA, landing safely at 12:20pm without incident.
Passengers were transferred to another aircraft to operate the Tampa flight.
Cayman Airways says it will provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid