Fly Jamaica accident investigation underway

Nov 10, 2018 News

Investigations are ongoing following the emergency landing of Fly Jamaica flight OJ 256, yesterday morning. This disclosure was made by Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson at a media briefing.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, reported that all the passengers were taken to a holding facility for debriefing and information gathering. Fly Jamaica has arranged for some passengers to travel to their original destinations via Caribbean Airlines today. Others have been accommodated at hotels or their homes as required.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shamdeo Persaud described the removal and transportation of the 10 injured passengers to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre as effective.
He said x-rays and further tests were conducted on the passengers to ascertain where any suffered spinal injuries. Medication for those with preexisting conditions has been sourced and will be delivered to those in need.
Those with suspected spinal injuries have been stabilised. The airport’s authorities will partner with the Public Health Ministry to offer counselling to the affected passengers
GCAA Director, Lt. Col. (Retd.) Egbert Field said the Chief Accident Investigator Paula McAdam will be assisted by GCAA inspectors. He also disclosed that the Jamaican Government and the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) have been contacted and will assist as needed with the investigation.
Cockpit and voice recorders were recovered, secured and sent to the NTSB for analysis. Field noted that this investigation will take some time and the findings will be used to assist global operators going forward.
He also reported that aircraft operations were initially suspended and the first flight initially scheduled to leave at 5:35 am took off at 7:30 am. Other flights were delayed by a few hours but arrangements were made to facilitate their departure.
Director Field could not confirm whether the aircraft was pulled from service within the last few months.
The aircraft will be removed once initial investigations are complete, he added. The event has been classified as an accident and not a crash, given the damage to the wings and engines after the controlled landing, the GCAA Director explained.
CJIA Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Geer revealed that initial feedback indicates that procedures were followed in accordance with the established emergency plan
As investigation continues the site is secured by 12 ranks from the Guyana Defence Force and nine from the Guyana Police Force. (DPI)

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