Government House has today issued a press release announcing that the Governor’s Office “is aware of two recent air incidents which have taken place at the John A. Osborne airport,” within 37 days.
The incidents both involving FlyMontserrat’s aircraft took place on April 17 and May 23, 2011. The first of these two incidents was reported on in the April 20, 2011 issue of The Montserrat Reporter (TMR). At that time it was reported that “the landing was observed by Air Traffic as being normal, but after touchdown the aircraft rolled left, off the runway…There were seven passengers on board the aircraft and no one suffered injuries following the mishap.”
The Governor’s now reports, (there have been questions about outcomes of any investigations and whether there has been any Air Authority investigations), that Investigators from the UK Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AABIB) have been appointed by the Governor immediately after the respective incidents.
The release notes that “The role of the AAIB is to conduct thorough, independent and impartial investigations into accidents and incidents, and ensure that the UK and the Overseas Territories comply with national and international statutory obligations for the investigation of air accidents and incidents.”
The press release also notes that “the investigation into the second incident began as soon as the incident was reported,” noting that, AABIB findings and recommendations normally take three months to be finalised.”
A note to the first accident report about the “no one being injured,” it has come to the attention of TMR that at least one person did report to the casualty department at Glendon Hospital, reporting injury from the accident on April 17, 2011. CEO of Montserrat Airways, Nigel Harris, maintains that his company has not been advised of any injuries or claims. “We have no claims or knowledge of any injuries sustained in any incident,” he confirms.
Photo : FMrat accident
