Airport switches to emergency mode after aircraft engine failure |08 August 2012

A joint press release from the IDC and the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) said that the incident happened about 10 minutes after the aircraft had taken off and had reached its cruising altitude of 11,500 feet.

There were four passengers and two crew members on board. The pilot carried out an emergency shutdown in accordance with standard operating procedures, and informed the tower control on Mahé, added the press release.

Another IDC aircraft which had just been airborne from Desroches to Alphonse diverted to escort the emergency aircraft which landed safely at the Seychelles International Airport at 1.02pm without any further complications.

The press release noted that in aviation, a twin-engine aircraft is capable of flying on one engine and that IDC aviation crews are trained to handle such emergency procedures, which are frequently practiced through drills and training programmes.

The press release added that IDC aviation personnel are trained to international standards as laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Emergency agencies like the Seychelles Hospital were quick to respond and both the SCAA and IDC have thanked all those who responded positively to the emergency.