RYANAIR SAYS it is conducting an internal inquiry following an incident in which one of its aircraft skidded after landing and came to a halt off the runway at Limoges airport in western France. Mary Fitzgeraldreports.
In a statement, the airline said flight FR1216 travelling from Brussels Charleroi to Limoges skidded after landing on schedule at 4pm yesterday. "The aircraft came to a stop approximately 10 metres off the end of the runway in a grass run-off area," it said. "At the time of landing, it was raining, the runway was wet and subject to gusting winds, although the prevailing conditions were within safety limits."
None of the 175 passengers or aircraft crew suffered injuries. All were evacuated using the aircraft's emergency chutes.
"It was a conventional landing but perhaps a little fast," said passenger Ted Sheehy from Roscommon.
"Before we knew where we were, we saw mud flying up from around the wheels. When we came to a stop the captain immediately called for an emergency evacuation but there wasn't much panic."
Ryanair engineers were en route to Limoges yesterday evening to tow the aircraft on to the ramp, inspect it and repair any wheel damage if necessary, Ryanair said.
All passengers had been offered any assistance necessary in order to complete their journey, it added. One pregnant passenger was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
"Ryanair has notified the Irish and French aviation authorities of this incident, and will be co-operating fully with any inquiries they wish to make, and Ryanair will be conducting its own internal inquiry in full co-operation with them.
"Until the cause of this incident has been established, Ryanair will not be in a position to comment further on it," the statement added.