Somalia: Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 Overruns Runway; All 55 Survive
A Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 aircraft, carrying 55 people, suffered a technical fault shortly after takeoff from Mogadishu, Somalia, on Tuesday. During an emergency landing attempt, the plane overran the runway and came to rest in shallow water on the seashore. Miraculously, all 50 passengers and 5 crew members survived the incident without serious injuries.
Key Highlights
- Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 had 55 people aboard.
- Technical fault occurred shortly after takeoff from Mogadishu.
- Plane overran runway during emergency landing attempt.
- Aircraft came to rest in shallow water on Mogadishu seashore.
- All 55 passengers and crew survived without serious injuries.
- Pilot praised for swift and calm decision-making.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, a Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 aircraft experienced a critical technical malfunction shortly after departing from Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia. The turboprop, registered as 6O-YAS, was on a domestic flight to central Somalia, potentially Galkayo, with 50 passengers and five crew members on board, totaling 55 individuals.
Immediately after detecting the technical issue, the flight crew made the pivotal decision to request a return to Mogadishu airport for an emergency landing. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed that the aircraft touched down on runway 23 but, despite the landing, failed to stop as intended. Consequently, the plane overshot the tarmac, traversing the airport perimeter, and ultimately came to a stop in the shallow waters of the Indian Ocean, adjacent to the airport's shoreline. Images and footage from the scene widely shared online depicted the aircraft badly damaged, resting on the beach with its right wing fractured and partially submerged.
In what aviation officials and observers have described as a remarkable outcome, all 55 occupants – both passengers and crew – survived the harrowing incident. Initial reports indicate no serious injuries among those on board, with many passengers seen walking away from the wreckage or receiving assistance from rescue personnel along the shoreline. The quick and effective evacuation process contributed significantly to preventing any fatalities or severe casualties.
The swift and composed actions of the pilot have been widely lauded by Starsky Aviation and the Somali Civil Aviation Authority. Starsky Aviation spokesman Hassan Mohamed Aden specifically praised the pilot's quick thinking and decisive judgment, stating that these factors played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of everyone aboard. This commendation underscores the critical importance of crew training and preparedness in mitigating potential aviation disasters, especially when unexpected technical difficulties arise during critical phases of flight like takeoff or landing.
Following the incident, emergency response teams, including personnel from the African Union mission in Somalia, as well as UN and AU troops, were swiftly deployed to the crash site to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. Somalia's transport minister was also present at the scene, highlighting the national significance of the event. An investigation has been launched by Somalia's aviation authorities to determine the exact cause of the technical malfunction that led to the emergency landing and subsequent runway overrun. While the precise nature of the technical issue remains under investigation, the focus will be on understanding the aircraft's systems and operational procedures leading up to the incident.
This event follows a similar, though distinct, incident in July 2022, also involving a Fokker 50 in Mogadishu, operated by Jubba Airways, where 36 people survived a landing accident that saw the plane flip over and sustain significant damage. However, the current incident involving Starsky Aviation differs in the number of occupants (55 vs. 36) and the phase of flight (after takeoff vs. on landing). The survival of all individuals in both serious aviation incidents at Mogadishu airport underscores the resilience of safety protocols and the heroism of aviation crews. The news has drawn significant attention due to its dramatic nature and the miraculous survival of all aboard, making it a prominent story in global aviation news.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Starsky Aviation plane in Mogadishu?
A Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 aircraft experienced a technical fault shortly after taking off from Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport. During an attempted emergency landing, the plane overran the runway and came to rest in shallow water on the nearby seashore.
How many people were on board the crashed plane?
There were 55 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 50 passengers and 5 crew members.
Did anyone survive the plane incident?
Yes, miraculously, all 55 individuals on board, including both passengers and crew, survived the incident without any serious injuries reported.
When did this plane incident occur?
The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, shortly after the plane's takeoff from Mogadishu.
What caused the plane to crash-land?
The plane suffered a technical fault shortly after takeoff. While the exact cause is under investigation, this malfunction led the pilot to attempt an emergency landing, which resulted in the runway overrun.