LIAT makes emergency landing

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – FORTY-TWO passengers aboard LIAT flight 544 made an unexpected emergency stop in Antigua during the early hours of Wednesday night (Nov. 12) after the aircraft they were on suffered from malfunctioning landing gear.

According to the Antigua Sun, the LI 544 flight left Nevis at 5:30pm heading to RLB International Airport, St. Kitts when the crew cited a possible problem with the control panel of the aircraft. The pilots then decided to divert the craft to Antigua, the airline’s main hub.

The report indicated that “the landing gear was already activated but the indicators in the cockpit were telling the pilot and crew an entirely different story”. The vessel had been circling above the V. C. Bird International Airport’s runway for about an hour before the pilots decided to make an emergency landing.

With the runway cleared of other aircraft, emergency personnel from the Coolidge Fire Service, Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Medical Services and members of the police prepared to deal with any possible casualty from the impromptu landing. Air traffic authorities in Antigua were also alerted and maintained close contact with the three-member crew.

Fortunately for crew and passengers, the landing gear was safely deployed and no casualties or injuries were recorded as the flight made its landing around 7:00 p.m.  ~~Adz:Right~~

There has been very little forthcoming information in relation to why the decision was made not to land in St. Kitts.

However, LIAT, which has maintained a spotless safety record, has reportedly assured members of the public that a thorough investigation will be pursued to ensure the continued safety of its customers.