Plane crashes into building
13-Oct-2008 08:59 AM

PASSENGERS on an Air Fiji flight PC285 from Labasa to Matei Airport in Taveuni yesterday had a lucky escape after their plane ploughed into the terminal building.

Witnesses at the airport said the plane’s brakes allegedly failed and the pilot had difficulty in stopping it.

In the process the plane swerved into the Pacific Sun office where about three employees were working yesterday.

Pacific Sun’s general manager Manoa Kamikamica confirmed to Fiji Daily Post yesterday that his staff were unharmed.

Kamikamica also confirmed that Pacific Sun their flights yesterday had to be delayed because of the incident.

It is believed the plane was carrying 10 passengers and was the first flight from Nausori Airport yesterday.

Matei Airport was filled with people as the plane landed after other Air Fiji and Pacific Sun flights had landed.

Some passengers and other witnesses at the airport said they knew something was wrong when they heard an unusual sound coming from the plane’s engine.

People at the airport immediately left the terminal building when they realised what was about happen.

There were no reports of any injuries, but it is believed the plane suffered some damage and was grounded.

Attempts to get comments from Air Fiji management failed yesterday as all phone lines were either busy or remained unanswered.

However, a staff of the airline confirmed yesterday afternoon that the plane had been grounded following the incident.

Police at Matei Airport confirmed the incident, but did not give further details.

Attempts to contact civil aviation authorities were unsuccessful yesterday.

Meanwhile, Air Fiji had just normalised operations last week following a High Court decision against the airline’s fuel supplier BP Oil which had stopped supplying fuel to its planes.

Last month the airline was under some cloud after it suddenly grounded all its aircraft over what it said were “technical” issues.


By STAFF REPORTERS