Plane engine catches
on fire after takeoff
AIRPORT--The police and Fire Department were informed of an emergency landing involving a Boeing 245 Convair that encountered engine problems just after takeoff Monday at 9:20am and had to return to Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA).
Police spokesman Inspector Ricardo Henson said the aircraft belonging to Holsum Bread Company had encountered problems with the right engine, which caught on fire during takeoff.
PJIA and Philipsburg fire fighters responded to the emergency call. According to Senior Fire Officer Marco Kaak, the airport fire fighters were able to control the situation without additional help.
Once the aircraft landed safely at PJIA, fire fighters proceeded to extinguish the fire within a reasonable time, limiting further damage to the plane.
Henson said PJIA security had informed police that no injuries had resulted from the fire. He said the exact cause of the fire had not yet been determined, but an investigation was being conducted to find out the source of the problem.
