Hummingbird Air involved in accident; pilot praised for handling situation

The scene of the incident. Photo credit: Antigua Observer
The scene of the incident. Photo credit: Antigua Observer

Owner and President of Hummingbird Air, Sam Raphael, has praised his pilot for the manner in which he handled an incident involving one of company’s aircraft earlier Monday in Barbuda.

“I am grateful for the professional manner in which the pilot handled the aircraft during the incident and that everyone is fine. Hummingbird Air looks forward to continuing its service to customers” Raphael, who was on board the aircraft, told Dominica News Online.

According to Raphael the incident occurred in Barbuda at 11:20 am, when upon a normal landing the right landing gear apparently collapsed causing the aircraft to veer off the runway which resulted in some damage to a wing of the aircraft.

All five passengers aboard and the pilot exited the aircraft safely.

Hummingbird Air is based in Canefield Dominica. It began commercial flights in July last year.

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21 Comments

  1. Mixie Duckinson
    December 15, 2015

    I think it is premature to praise or blame anyone. It takes an independent investigation of the accident to get a full understanding. Could be mechanical, could be pilot error but in aviation there is always an explanation as to what could have prevented it. If anyone has the preliminary or final report from the FAA, please post it.

  2. The Real Facts
    August 18, 2015

    Thank God the pilot landed safely. I visualize that the passengers, be it a few were praying and also the pilot. When disasters strike, we must try not to panic but immediately turn to God in prayer.
    We should also never leave our home without praying and while traveling. How many people pray for the pilots?
    We do not pray enough. We are so busy going about our affairs that we may never consider praying.
    When I especially travel by air and land, I pray and ask God for his protection. Then, I leave everything up to him.
    This also comes about due to accidents and that the world is not as safe as it used to be. In addition, we are older, wiser and know better (should).
    When we arrive at our destination, we should thank God. It pleases God when we pray; when we show him that we are mere weaklings, that we need him and are relying on his protection. A simple prayer will do.
    Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “Apart from him we can do nothing.”

  3. Bertille Henderson
    August 18, 2015

    You guys are covered under the blood. Great pilots

  4. Dominic
    August 18, 2015

    dominica not in that u wat domincan I am going to send u all some donkeys and monkeys is that we looking like

  5. Matter of fact
    August 18, 2015

    Well done pilot.
    But surely there’s a major safety and maintenance issue if the landing gear can collapse so easily.
    Sam you still owe the country millions of dollars, nothing paid back, and you can’t keep your tires pumped properly.
    Shame on you.
    Liat may be slow but they are safe

    • The Real Facts
      August 18, 2015

      Sensible people know, accidents could occur at anytime. A plane takes off and travels well and all of a sudden something happens to it. Surely you should know that.
      Why throw words and put out people’s confidential business between them and the government? Some of you like too much twaka – melee – gossip. It is not Christian-like.
      Did you forgot the bad accident LIAT had some years ago when approximately 13 people or more died?
      So you think LIAT is immune to accidents? LIAT has had accidents.
      I once flew with LIAT to A/gua to take Air Canada on my return to Canada. The turbulence was scary; the worst air experience I ever had. Throughout the ordeal I fervently prayed. I thought only God prevented the plane from sinking and crashing into the unknown. I was relieved and happy when we landed in Antigua.
      The morning prior to leaving D/ca, I went to Holy Mass at the Roseau Cathedral. This may have helped.
      Wish Hummingbird Air well. Be happy that no one was hurt.

    • Positive
      August 19, 2015

      @ Matter Of Fact. What have you done for Dominica and Dominicans?

      Do you know how many young person Mr. Raphael employ? Do you know how much tax he pays for his business? Do you know how much produce he purchases for Farmers and Fisherman? Maybe your mother, father, brother , sister.. etc is benefiting from his business.
      I know this man.. I have alot of respect for. We need more persons like him in Dominica.
      I personally think this man should be the ad visor for Dominica.
      Mr. Raphael.. You are our role model. We love you and thanks to God for keeping you.
      You business will continue to prosper and more blessing your way.

  6. Dominica_Lover
    August 18, 2015

    So many people saying praise God, but what about all the others. God sounds like someone whos is half asleep

    • The Real Facts
      August 18, 2015

      I note you lack godly knowledge and enlightenment and have much to learn. Do you know, God help those who help themselves? Furthermore, we are to pray to God. We need his help and protection while on earth (to also assist us to persevere to the end) until the day we die that we may obtain eternal salvation.
      This is what you should be doing. We are in the world, not mainly for ourselves but also for others. We also have to pray for others, our country and the rest of the world. You should commence doing that while there is still time.

  7. angel
    August 18, 2015

    God is in control, always!
    This incident (not accident) could have happened to anyone (including LIAT). Machines were built by man who are imperfect. It is just like having a flat tire on your vehicle…these things happen however, preventative measures are put in place to avoid it from happening but, again, nothing is perfect except God! I am happy that the pilot, Sam and the others are safe!!! Onward we go….connecting the hidden Caribbean

  8. James
    August 17, 2015

    Thank God

  9. Love,Peace&Happiness
    August 17, 2015

    Papa met!!!! I think I’ll take late at…Sorry I meant Liat… :mrgreen:

  10. August 17, 2015

    Thank God all is safe. God is good all the time.all the time God is good. We fighting for power, but know not the hour! Lets continue to give praise for he is always good.

  11. diabless
    August 17, 2015

    Good work. My confidence in this initiative is sustained!

  12. Green Gold
    August 17, 2015

    Thank god all are safe. A plane can be repaired, the loss of ones life cannot.

  13. %
    August 17, 2015

    Wow! It could have been worse! It is not just the pilot, but both God and the pilot are to be praised!

    • Dominica_Lover
      August 18, 2015

      God had nothing to do with it.

      • Analy Thomas
        August 18, 2015

        God has something to do with everything that is good. He even chastises his people to make them better. He does everything on his own time, which 1000 years for man is like 1 day for him……. so figure it out.
        The airplane could have dragged and sparked into flames, it could have capsized……….

      • jamesd
        August 18, 2015

        Besides if he did he would be the one that caused it in the first place. But don’t expect anyone to agree with you. The truth hurts

      • The Real Facts
        August 18, 2015

        Oh yea? You know, I always consider and state, when you (we) die all will realize how much God had to do with many things and how little he had to do with some things. For now, we can only fathom and state when certain accidents were averted or they were not bad ones that God had a hand in it. We say thank God.
        As for worst ones, I do not think God had anything to do with them. People must be careful. Anyway, only He knows.
        We have to thank God that there were no injuries.
        Actually, it all boils down to, accidents will always happen. That is part of life.

  14. August 17, 2015

    Way to go Sam! And thanks DNO for highlighting the positivity in this situation. 1st time!

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