UPDATE: Aircraft runs off runway at Canefield Airport

The aircraft
The aircraft

The weather conditions were perfect for flying and sounds of applause filled the small Coastal Air plane as it touched down on the runway at the Canefield Airport on Thursday morning.However the applause was interrupted shortly afterwards when the nine passengers aboard that aircraft received the announcement that struck fear instantly in them: “the plane can’t stop.”

“The pilot said it first and the passengers started to repeat it by shouting,” Silma Luke, a passenger from Salisbury told DNO.

She said the flight was good one.

“We had a very good flight to Dominica,” she stated. “When we reach I started clapping and afterward I heard somebody said the plane cannot stop. When I looked I saw it in the bush.”

She said When she heard that the plane could not stop, she was not frightened. “It did not bother me. I am a Christian, so it did not bother me. Some people were frightened,” she said.

She noted that she was at the back of the aircraft and did not see much of what was going on.

The incident has left Rosa Xavier, who was sitting next to her husband on the flight, afraid of flying in small planes.

“I was frightened,” she said. “It was frightening to see that me and my husband in that accident. I will be afraid to board small planes like that again. We are accustomed of flying on LIAT and other bigger planes.”

The small plane arrived in Dominica from St Croix and at the controls were a pilot and co pilot.

Speaking to Dominica News Online moments after the accident, Antoine Baptiste, applauded the pilot for his quick thinking.

“I was at the front with the pilot when we were about to land,” he stated. “He landed good but when it came to stop he said that he can’t stop .. he tried but the plane kept running and when he see that it was coming to the end of the runway, he tried to swing the plane back and then it hit the post and it stopped.”

Baptiste added that he did not panic but he became concerned when he noticed a container on the other side of the airport’s fence.

“I learned that in travelling to expect anything,” he stated. “It was a new experience for me and I thank God that we all are safe. Once you’re travelling, make up your mind it can be anything. I travelled today .. I told my friends I’m going to Dominica but only God knows.”

The left wing of the plane was extensively damaged.

Fire Officers, police officers and officials from the Dominica Air and Sea Port Authority (DASPA) all responded to the accident.

A full report is expected later on Thursday.

A wing of the aircraft was damaged
A wing of the aircraft was damaged

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81 Comments

  1. delicesinboston
    December 10, 2015

    @ E Benedict -Seems like the word God offends you but one day you will meet your maker and then and only then will you will be able to confirm or not what you think in your mind and heart. Don’t blame God for any misfortunes in anyone’s life. No big bang theory created such a beautiful world and to have hanging stars, moon, sun and to have creatures so uniquely made. No evolution could have made me who I am . I am too special to be created by evolution and I have yet to see us humans continue to evolve. My advice is to make peace with your maker before you fall dead with no hope of a future because none of your friends, family or mine will ever come back and cannot come back to warn you and I of whats after this life. Better be safe than sorry.

  2. Anonymous
    March 5, 2014

    :mrgreen:

  3. Daphne
    February 28, 2014

    glad everyone is safe

  4. Vado
    February 28, 2014

    That is it sister Mammy, continue the good work what you said is correct. May the good Lord bless you and keep you.

  5. Anonymous
    February 28, 2014

    Y de so call pm nt on dt plane we calling election tonite

    • Anonymous
      March 11, 2014

      My dear if u were a good thinker ud never have made such a dumb comment may God have mercy on you I hope u find space in your heart to repent of such idle words.

  6. Mammy
    February 28, 2014

    Why are Dominicans being so foolish in regard to this incident? How will an International Airport prevent airplane crashes? (International Airports across the World such as JFK, LAX, LHR, LGW, YYZ all have accidents)Canefield is always going to be at risk due to it having a Crosswind Runway. Dominica does not need an International Airport at this point in time. Yes an International Airport would allow for flights from across the world but;

    a. We do not have sufficient hotel rooms to accommodate these tourists who may arrive.

    b. The Current airport runway length is sufficient enough anyway, to accommodate many large aircraft including Boeing 737’s and Airbus A320’s which many Airlines in North America use to travel into the Caribbean (American Airlines, Air Canada, WestJet, Caribbean Airlines, JetBlue, etc).

    c. Who exactly is going to pay for an international Airport in Dominica??? Some Dominicans think that China is just going to give one to them… (China will soon come back and ask for their money! There is no such thing as a Gift in Government!).

    d. Our population and economy is too small to sustain and afford to run an International Airport.

    e. It will soon become as expensive as it is in Barbados to leave their airport. Barbados is still paying back for their airport by charging exorbitant taxes in the excess of US$100 every time you pass through the airport to leave the island.

    f. Just because there is an International Airport does not mean that the tourists are going to come.

    g. Furthermore there needs to be an regular flow of tourists coming into the island for the big airliners to consider flying into Dominica. (We do not need to end up like St Lucia and Barbados who have to pay airlines such as American Airlines a fee when ever the plane is below a certain amount of Passengers! In Barbados American Airlines even stopped flying from New York because of low passenger Numbers)

    Dominica should instead focus on advertising the ‘Nature Isle’ abroad in North America and Europe to attract tourists to come. (If St Lucia, Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua and all the other islands do it why can’t we?) Maybe then with more tourists coming into Dominica we can then look into building an Intentional Airport, which then we can afford repay. I am not a Political person, (I am not RED or BLUE or GREEN or whatever colour these political parities are I am just using my common sense.) But Dominicans need to open their coco zyey and see.

  7. Mandela spirit
    February 28, 2014

    HELLO!! HELLO!! RELAX!!! RELAX!!!
    This was an ACCIDENT!!! ACCIDENTS doe happen;
    We should be happy for the folks, who dodged a serious situation,could be the good work of the pilot,was not time for anyone to go;is so it go ;
    LIFE is TIME;
    HERE TODAY
    WE ARE HERE through the “LOVE” of the “MOST HIGH”
    YET we use our love, to HATE;we love to hate;
    and is pass we passing through,we never know,
    we not sure to see tomorrow;tomorrow is a borrow.
    RELAX RELAX my PEOPLE; LOVE YOU LOVE YOU.

  8. Lovely
    February 28, 2014

    Dominica is not a flat country it takes a lot of expertise, good piloting to land a plane in Dominica. Thank God for small mercies. Be prepared always.

  9. Lovely
    February 28, 2014

    Empty barrels make the most noise. Pure ignorance when people will not give thanks for the pilot landing safely without going in the ocean or in peoples homes. I live in one of the biggest countries in the world and every time there are incidences in the airports with airplanes. We just have to make it right with God first, and our fellow Dominicans. Be prepared for death, it is going to come when we least expect.

    I bet, after the investigation is will not be pilot error but mechanical error. It landed safely that was the key. The most critical time for an airplane is landing and taking off. Good job pilot and co pilot. Once we are living on this earth, expect anything to happen. The same people that are pointing a finger or fingers, I would like to ask them if there life never have miss harps. Lets get the facts and then we will talk. We should not just talk because we want to, but take with a purpose. God is love, Amen.

  10. February 27, 2014

    Have you ever flown before? Most times when an airplane touches down smoothly, the passengers clap to commend the pilot.

  11. Anonymous
    February 27, 2014

    Clapping? Why?

    • Anonymous
      February 27, 2014

      Have you ever flown before? Most times when an airplane touches down smoothly, the passengers clap to commend the pilot.

    • February 27, 2014

      Have you ever flown before? Most times when an airplane touches down smoothly, the passengers clap to commend the pilot

    • Simply the Truth
      February 28, 2014

      Do you need this to be explained to you? They clapped because the plane had touched ground assumingly safe then.

    • Justice
      February 28, 2014

      They clap for the pilot because he is very good at how he handles his little plane and his flights are usually calm so ppl rejoice for the safe landing. (they were clapping before they knew the plane could not stop)

      • E Benedict
        March 1, 2014

        Clapping for the pilot is an insult. Get it? Do not insult the pilot by clapping. The pilot’s job is to land the aircraft safely.

        And….God had NOTHING to do with this event. If you think he did, ask yourself why the brakes failed in the first place…….where was God when the mechanic perhaps did a lousy job on the brake system (assuming that was the cause for this incident). And to all you geniuses – wait till the official investigation concludes……then pontificate to your heart’s content. Until then your posting really make you look stupid.

    • Anonymous
      March 2, 2014

      I see you have never left the island. Passengers clap to say job well done pilot thanks for taking me to my destination safely..

      • E Benedict
        March 2, 2014

        Au contrair mon ami – I left long time ago. Could not stand the narrow minded simple thinking folks on the island. One more time – clapping for a successful landing is an insult to the pilot. Now do you get it? So is thanking God for a good fortune when surviving and others die. Twisted logic at best………sheer idiocy in the least.

        Posted by a 32 year professional pilot.

        AND NOW YOU KNOW THE RRRRRRRRRREST OF THE STORY.

  12. Anonymous
    February 27, 2014

    oh boy accident cannot happen again. it have to be the government come on people be real stop these non sense people all over the world reading these comments its just a shame to read some of the comment .some of us Dominican a just to much. come on man the plane landed thank god everyone was safe it could have been worse

  13. Rhum Bouco
    February 27, 2014

    I wonder if those political imbeciles are aware of the Asiana plane crash in Califonia just a few months ago.Could LAX with its world class airport have prevented the accident? Did it not happen at an international airport? Imagine an international hub at that.We have been so blinded by political colours it makes us look stupid. Yes I mean stupid,sot,tebeh, cuyon.Stop injecting politics into accidents or other natural disasters.To my fellow Dominicans who were on this flight i say thank god everyone of you are safe.To the management of Coastal Air, I would like to say thank you for your service to Dominica and its people.I look forward to flying with you again.Very soon.

    • Anonymous
      February 28, 2014

      I’m sorry to inform you that the asiana 777 had the problem in SFO, not LAX.

      That is all
      :lol:

  14. observer
    February 27, 2014

    stop being so foolish about skerritt will build international airport an no plane will crash any more

  15. February 27, 2014

    The Plan had already on the ground(landed. In my opinion It seem like a mechanical problem. Before people begin negative Comments; wait for the results of the investigation that will take place by the Professionals. International Airports have accidents worlwide quite often with on survivors!!! Give Thanks and Praise to the Good God Almighty.

  16. Arbitrator
    February 27, 2014

    By the way it have nothing to do with how hard it is to land at Canfield. Pilots are trained to land in various conditions. Sounds like the plane landed good, he just could not get it to stop. “Maybe brakes or Hydraulic issues”

  17. Arbitrator
    February 27, 2014

    We don’t need an international Airport. We need more airlines servicing Dominica and in fact inter-Caribbean. Last I check recently a Boeing 777 crashed on on landing at SanFrancisco International Airport. All but 1 of the passengers survive and she died because she got ran over by an emergency vehicle responding to the crash. Bigger Airport, Bigger Plane crash. The thing is they also had the necessary emergency response team and medical facility to handle such incident. Can you imagine an accident like that in Dominica? Are we prepared to handle it? Please ask yourselves these questions before asking for an International Airport.

  18. hello Rumors love u
    February 27, 2014

    I pray the name of God over our blessed country for no weapon formed against us shall prosper.

    Thank you lord that none got injured or loss their lives.

    DNO tell them nuh that none means NO ONE and they joined the letters together to form one word.

    I not voting the blues! Skerrit I love and we love him in the east. ALL 109 of us was at the show workers put on. Girl look kicks off and when they left the area GF was like a ghost town…..TRANSFER GATE AND LYO send them to Grand Fond!!!!

    • E Benedict
      March 1, 2014

      Take some time to read your post……..then tell us that you are not embarrassed by the utter silliness you display.

  19. dominican
    February 27, 2014

    Do you guys watch world news this happens world widevin big international airports. Last year in Germany, USA and the UK there wre incidents on the run way. Tnhank God no one died, to God be the Glory

  20. Justice
    February 27, 2014

    Mrs. Rosa I have to tell you it’s not small planes my dear. It could happen on any plane. Look at the airplanes that carry hundreds of people and still crash. We just have to have faith that no matter what we travel on the almighty keeps us safe. I travel on Mike many times and he is indeed a good pilot one thing eh. God bless his heart.

  21. Young Pilot
    February 27, 2014

    Wow, i saw this plane parked while travelling home and i was surprised to see its kind just a while ago. Little did i know what it went through.

    Good to see no one is hurt.

  22. Rastafari
    February 27, 2014

    Where is God when all the other planes crash? You people need to stop! The pilot is the hero here! 8)

    • @ Rastafari
      March 1, 2014

      Are you for real?

  23. Rastafari
    February 27, 2014

    It was ALL the pilot’s quick thinking that saved the day, he deserves the credit.

  24. johny
    February 27, 2014

    We don’t need no international airport the one we got in marigot is enough. American Eagle jet blue and other have enough space to land.

  25. karla
    February 27, 2014

    congrats to pilot and co pilot quick thinking indeed

  26. Ti j
    February 27, 2014

    Everyone is safe? No missing limbs? Passenger could respond to interview shortly after. To God be the glory! God bless the pilot and passengers. Glory! The story could have been different.

    • February 27, 2014

      Amen and Amen!!!

    • Cocoatea
      February 27, 2014

      I concur. Thanks be to God.

  27. UDOHREADYET
    February 27, 2014

    Canefeild airport is very difficult to land in. Its more suitable for helicopters. Kudos to any pilot landing at that airport.

  28. NYC active
    February 27, 2014

    I remember a few of these crashes when i was a child growing up in Massacre. The crash was not announced on the radio but you would just see a bunch of people running to towards the Airport-(some without shoes ) pretty soon the entire village of Massacre young and old was there. some would take a bath in the Massacre River before heading back… ahh memories of my little Village..

    I’m happy no one got hurt.

    • Anonymous
      February 28, 2014

      Oh yes I remember clearly as a Massacre resident and a police officer at the time. As a pilot presently, we are trained to handle unexpected situations to the best of our ability. Remember accidents do happen. Aviation is no exception.

  29. Vigilant citizen
    February 27, 2014

    I hope they have insurance this time around!!!

  30. dominican
    February 27, 2014

    so will there b a flight from st.croix tomoro?

  31. Anonymous
    February 27, 2014

    oh boi

  32. let justice live
    February 27, 2014

    having an international airpot does not stop aircraft accidents because i have seen plane run off the air stipe in Barbados. tell the hungry uwpites stop making politics with everything is time they grow up and get seriuos in this country. skerrit will build the airport when financing becomes available at a cost that will not burden the dominica economy and people. stop using these issues to gain petty support for workers it won’t work.

  33. American Dominican
    February 27, 2014

    Dominicans like to post to much rubbish, most of then sounds illiterate in what they post, don’t make yourself appear to be that ignorant.

    • konnet vive
      February 27, 2014

      by the way you typed that comment, you sound illiterate. #justsaying

    • Lisia
      February 27, 2014

      you’re not too shabby on that topic….if i might add. :lol:

    • .
      February 27, 2014

      its most of them SOUND illiterate. not SOUNDS…saque sott

    • Anonymous
      February 27, 2014

      lmao they just told you lol

  34. Anonymous
    February 27, 2014

    Lord thanks for watching over us, may the lord guide and protect the pilot and passengers

  35. diva
    February 27, 2014

    skirret time to change international airport please

  36. Anonymous
    February 27, 2014

    Some people are just too stupid , what international airport has to do with that.

  37. BEACHPILOT437
    February 27, 2014

    Give God the glory that no one was injured , but an international airport does not offer immuity to aircraft incidents , whatever the cause of this incident we have to ask that it does not reoccur and with worst consequences .

  38. pinky
    February 27, 2014

    give god the praise no fatalities. them people that talking
    about international airport shut the hell up Does international airport prevent such accidents.

  39. #PMmad
    February 27, 2014

    When will dominica wake up and realize we need an international airport?

    How many people have to die and be ripped off by LIAT?

    2014 dominicans still flying on TOY planes and paper planes. SMH

    • Tell it like it is
      February 27, 2014

      So when a country have international airports planes don’t over run runways, New York JFK, Barbados, Antigua don’t have any plane accidents ? that happen only in Dominica ? Do we know the cause or nature of the accident ? Human, nature, mechanical failure ? do we know that ? We love put our foot in our mouth, PLEASE people get informed before saying,writing,blogging or posting comments, it serves a much better purpose.

      • anonymous2
        February 27, 2014

        Thank you for telling them.

    • Positive vibration
      February 27, 2014

      @#PMmad, how ignorant you are!! What does International airport have to do with this?! How many people’s died? Or have died? Every part of the world have “toy” planes – jack ass! This is a choice people make when they want to travel.
      I have travelled many times on small planes to Canefield airport ( by choice) and never had a crash.

    • Lovely
      February 27, 2014

      well go make or buy bigger planes, jets etc to help. your contribution will be accepted.

  40. i in that
    February 27, 2014

    thanks god no one got hurt

  41. No Fear
    February 27, 2014

    Coastal connects Dominica and St Croix
    and is not the best but preferred airline for most Dominicans traveling home. I an truly happy that all the passangers are ok
    The airline was banned from flying into Dominica recently

    • the fig tree
      February 27, 2014

      The airline was banned from flying into Dominica recently??? Is that so? Please explain…banned by who and why?

    • Anonymous
      February 27, 2014

      why were they banned? I’m almost certain it wasn’t because of their flying but other reasons

      • Anonymous
        February 27, 2014

        The Airline was not banned.. they got new regulations in which certain documentations was required by EVERY PLANE

      • Anonymous
        February 27, 2014

        cont’

        landing at cane field airport. Also because of Mike’s age I could no longer fly. That’s why we there’s a new pilot.. The new pilot is very experienced and did his best to make no one got hurt. In life anything can happen..

      • Anonymous
        February 27, 2014

        He*

      • Anonymous
        February 27, 2014

        sure*

  42. February 27, 2014

    Lord protect us in dominica we need an international airport ps people

    • grell
      February 27, 2014

      build it then.

    • LORD HAVE MERCY
      February 27, 2014

      what nonesense pure rubbish, what international airport have to do with that, you have accidents at international air ports too

    • Still
      February 27, 2014

      How would an international airport prevent aircraft runoff?

      • Dr. Demon
        February 27, 2014

        An international airport would have a longer runway for one so the pilot will have ample space to abort take off more runway space for landing.

    • winston warrington
      February 27, 2014

      Bobbyjoe, let me break this to you gently. We do have an international airport; direct access to Europe and US is something entirely different. Start pelting the stones!!

    • Anonymous
      February 27, 2014

      Whitchurch ran out of Badges of Honour as the demand has been so great lately. You will have to wait a while for yours. :mrgreen:

      • anonymous
        February 27, 2014

        hehehe. u crack me up.

    • Seriously
      February 28, 2014

      What really did you expect from someone who calls himself bobby joe?

  43. Airport
    February 27, 2014

    Thank God.

  44. Anonymous
    February 27, 2014

    Oh no that’s my plane whenever I have to fly in and out of STX. Happy that no one was injured.

  45. Surething
    February 27, 2014

    Glad no-one is hurt.

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