AIRPORT–InselAir flight 7I 512 from St. Maarten to Curaçao returned to Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) early Wednesday afternoon. Some 32 passengers were elated when the plane touched down safely on the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport at approximately 1:19pm.

The Fokker 50 aircraft originally departed from St. Maarten en route to Curaçao at 12:59pm and later turned around due to engine failure. The aircraft reportedly had four hours of fuel. According to the PJIA Operations Department, the pilot had an indication in the cockpit that the engine was shut down.

“All the pertinent coordination was done with the San Juan centre to acquire all the necessary information. In efforts to uphold the current contingency plan, there was priority given to the aircraft for its emergency landing. As the passengers and the flight crew disembarked the InselAir aircraft, it was determined that there was no further cause for alarm,” stated the Airport Operations Department.

According to the airline, passengers on board were provided with hotel accommodations, transportation and meals and will transported to Curaçao on other flights as soon as possible.

Bron: Daily Herald