Western Air makes emergency landing

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

A WESTERN Air flight had to make an emergency return shortly after takeoff from Lynden Pindling International Airport yesterday morning after the pilot observed that the landing gear had not fully retracted. The incident happened around 7am yesterday morning on Western Air’s flight 701 which was scheduled to land in Freeport, Grand Bahama. Thirty-two passengers and a flight crew of three successfully landed without further incident and no reported injuries.

One of the passengers on board the aircraft was Kwasi Thompson, East Grand Bahama MP.

In an interview with this newspaper yesterday, Mr Thompson said he is grateful to have been kept safe despite what transpired.

“We took off pretty normal, but it was shortly after takeoff that we heard a loud, well not loud, but a continuous noise which was unusual,” he told this newspaper yesterday.

“It didn’t appear that the landing gear was going in properly. So, the pilot came on the system and said that the landing gear was not going in and that he would have to turn around and come back to the airport.”

He continued: “Things seem pretty normal, he (the pilot) made the turn to come back, but I think when people started to get a little concerned was when we took several times to land or several attempts to land.”

Other passengers, said Mr Thompson, began to pray as they were afraid.

“The stewardess came with a very loud voice and said ‘Emergency, emergency. Put your heads down and keep your heads down,’” he said. “I think then you know people got very, very concerned that something may happen.”

He also thanked God and the flight crew for keeping everyone on board safe.

In a video widely circulated on social media, passengers onboard the flight are heard clapping and screaming cheers of joy as the aircraft finally landed back at LPIA.

In a press statement yesterday, Western Air confirmed that the flight landed safely after “visual confirmation of gear position”.

The statement read: “This

Man Held Without Bail On Attempted Killing Of A Police Officer And Armed Robberies

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday accused of two separate armed muggings and the attempted killing of a police officer in the nation’s capital last week.

Emerson Johnson, 25, stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney on charges of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and two counts of armed robbery.

It is alleged that on February 9 in New Providence, while being concerned with others and being armed with a handgun, Johnson robbed Eugene Stuart of his Burgundy coloured 2011 Nissan March, which is valued at $3,500.

On the same day, it is further alleged that Johnson robbed Marquin Taylor of $50 in cash as well as his Alcatel phone.

Then on February 11, he is accused of attempting to shoot and kill CPL 3766 Arnold Fox. Following this argument with the police, Johnson was arrested for having a black .45 Glock Austria pistol. Because of the gravity of the offences, the accused was told he was not required to enter a plea in court at that time. He was informed that his case would proceed to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

The accused was also told that as the magistrate did not have the jurisdiction to grant him bail he had the right to apply for it through the higher court.

Until bail is granted, the accused will be sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Johnson’s VBI is set for service on April 24. He is represented by attorney Alphonso Lewis.

MAN ON RELEASE FOR ARMED ROBBERY CAUGHT SECOND TIME WITH FIREARM, DENIED BAIL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was denied bail yesterday after being accused of having a loaded gun while on release for pending armed robbery and firearm charges.

Lusconder Jean, 21, and Pedro Knowles, 22, faced Magistrate Samuel McKinney on a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. Jean faced an additional charge of possession of ammunition.

The two men are accused of being found a black Taurus 9mm pistol on February 13 in New Providence. At the time of their arrest it is alleged that the defendants were also found with 12 unfired rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Then on February 14 Jean is further accused of having a single additional round of 9mm ammunition.

In court, the defendants both pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution objected to Jean’s bail application citing that he was on bail for a pending armed robbery charge at the time of the offence. It was also pointed out that Jean had an ongoing firearm charge in the same court from October of last year.

Magistrate McKinney said that Jean’s bail had been denied given the likelihood that he would reoffend if it was granted. However he was informed of his right to reapply for bail through the Supreme Court. morning (Thursday) on flight 701, after takeoff, the captain received an indication that his nose landing gears did not fully retract.

Knowles was granted bail at $7,500. He is expected to sign in at the Grove Police Station every Wednesday and Friday by 6pm. Their trial is set to begin on March 16.

“After completing their climbing sequence and appropriate checks, they performed a few low approaches to allow for a visual inspection from the tower (and team members on the ground) to confirm the position of their landing gears.

“Once they indicated the landing gear appeared to be down and locked, they landed safely.”

The company noted that as a measure of precaution and procedures, the flight attendants prepared passengers in a “brace position”.

“The aircraft landed safely and as reported the passengers and crew are well,” Western Air said.

“The majority of the passengers opted to proceed on the next flight to Freeport. We are grateful for the professionalism the crew demonstrated in following their procedures and we are thankful to our passengers.” Western Air said the maintenance team will be completing its inspection and review to determine the reason for the incident.