Starsky Aviation Plane Makes Emergency Landing Near Mogadishu Shoreline
A domestic Somali airline has commended the actions of one of its pilots after a passenger aircraft with a reported technical fault crash-landed on the shoreline near Mogadishu's international airport, with all 55 people on board surviving the incident without serious injuries.
Technical Fault Forces Immediate Return
The aircraft, a Fokker 50 operated by Starsky Aviation, was carrying 50 passengers and five crew members on a scheduled flight to Puntland when the crew detected a problem shortly after takeoff on the morning of Tuesday, February 10. According to Somalia's Civil Aviation Authority, the pilot requested an immediate return to Mogadishu after the fault was identified.
Civil Aviation Authority director Ahmed Macalin Hassan confirmed that the aircraft touched down safely but failed to stop on the runway. The plane overshot the tarmac and came to rest in shallow water along the seashore close to the airport. The exact nature of the technical issue has not yet been confirmed by authorities, though investigations have begun.
Passengers Exit Calmly as Rescue Teams Respond
Images and videos shared on social media showed the aircraft leaning to one side with visible damage to a wing. Passengers were seen calmly exiting the plane and walking away across the shoreline. Officials confirmed no serious injuries were recorded among those on board.
The African Union mission in Somalia confirmed that United Nations and African Union troops were quickly deployed to assist with rescue operations. Somalia's transport minister was also present at the scene as emergency teams secured the area.
Airline Praises Pilot's Decision-Making
Starsky Aviation said an investigation had begun to determine what caused the fault that led to the emergency landing. The airline credited the pilot's handling of the situation for the positive outcome.
"We are relieved to confirm that all passengers and crew are safe. Investigations are under way to establish what caused the technical issue that led to the emergency landing," said Starsky spokesman Hassan Mohamed Aden.
"The pilot's swift and calm decision-making played a decisive role in ensuring the safety of everyone on board, and we commend him for how he handled the situation," he added.
Recent Aviation Incidents in the Region
This incident follows another recent aviation emergency in the region. Earlier, a Qatar Airways aircraft operating a scheduled international service was forced to return to Lagos on the night of Friday, January 16, after developing a technical problem shortly after departure.
That flight made an emergency landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport following coordination with aviation authorities. Airport officials said the pilot detected a mechanical issue minutes after takeoff and immediately contacted Air Traffic Controllers to request an air return. Clearance was granted without delay, allowing the aircraft to land safely with all 260 people on board.
The Starsky Aviation incident highlights the importance of pilot training and emergency procedures in ensuring passenger safety during technical failures. As investigations continue, aviation authorities will be examining both the mechanical aspects of the fault and the response protocols that led to the successful emergency landing.
