This morning a private plane crash landed at the Phillip Goldson International Airport. There were no fatalities but the serious accident forced the closure of the nation's only international airport for 45 minutes. The small four-seater airplane originated from Ilopango Town in El Salvador. It was attempting to land in Belize after the one hour and 45 minute flight when something went very wrong. Tonight you'll see the wrecked plane and hear from the survivors. Here's the story.
Keith Swift Reporting,
At 9:47 this morning - this twin engine Beachcraft "BE-55" airplane from El Salvador crash landed in these bushes after it attempted to touchdown at the Phillip Goldson International Airport. The plane had already touched the tarmac when its landing gear malfunctioned. 54-year-old Carlos Alfredo Suvillaga was the co-pilot.
Carlos Alfredo Suvillaga, Co-Pilot
"At the time that we were at the touchdown, we were advised by the tower that we needed to pull up but it was already too late because the propellers were touching the ground already and he said to pull up and the pilot, who was the other guy, he just tried to go airborne again but the properllors didn't respond well."
The plane veered to the left side of the runway and crashed 200 feet away in these bushes. There were four people inside the small airplane - all of them Salvadoran nationals. And despite the wrecked airplane that you see, all passengers survived. Seated at the back were 45 year old Rafael Avilez Sahli and his 18 year old girlfriend Hilda Lucila Vides LaCayo. Both received minor scrapes and
scratches. The co-pilot Carlos Suvillaga and the pilot Leonides Martinez were also hurt.
Carlos Alfredo Suvillaga,
"I have pain in my lower back and also my neck and here a little bit in my chest because of the impact."
The crash is now under investigation by both the Police and Civil Aviation Departments. Nigel Carter is one of the investigators. He says the pilot made contact with the control tower seconds before the crash. They are now reviewing those tapes but he says it is still too early in the investigation to speculate on a cause.
Nigel Carter, Civil Aviation Department
"We are looking at minor damages to the aircraft. So far we are investigating that manner."
Keith Swift,
We understand the plane was attempting to land and the gear didn't come out and the pilot tried to go back in the air but it couldn't. Is that basically what happened?
Nigel Carter,
"That is an eyewitness report however we will use that as part of our investigation but we cannot say for sure that that was the matter."
Keith Swift,
It is very early in the investigation but does this in anyway seem to be pilot error or is it just a mechanical failure?
Nigel Carter,
"I cannot say for sure. I cannot say whether it is pilot error or a mechanical malfunction."
Keith Swift,
How would you classify this accident?
Nigel Carter,
"A minor accident."
But for those on the plane, it was hardly minor. Rafael Avilez Sahli and his 18-year-old girlfriend Hilda Lucila Vides LaCayo were coming to Belize to go
on a fishing trip. They certainly didn't expect this but looking at the plane - they say it is a miracle they were able to walk away from the crash.
Keith Swift,
Were you frightened?
Rafael Avilez Sahli,
"Yes but you can't do anything about it."
Keith Swift,
Do you feel lucky to be alive?
Rafael Avilez Sahli,
"Yes I think I am lucky, very very lucky. The God saved my life."
Carlos Alfredo Suvillaga,
"It was a miracle that we all got out alive after having that accident. It could have been very bad."
Could have been bad but it wasn't. And forty five minutes after the crash - the runway was re-opened.
Because of the closure - a Grupo Taca flight which was bound for belize from Salvador had to be diverted to Mesa, Guatemala. The disabled aircraft sat there until about midday when it returned to Belize and on to Houston. At least one Maya Island Air flight was delayed because of the airport closure. The plane was privately owned and there is no indication if it was insured.
