Plane Carrying 55 Passengers Forced to Crash Land in the Ocean
An aircraft carrying 55 people overshot the runway and crashed into the ocean after it was forced to make a dramatic emergency landing, per a press release from the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) and a statement from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.
Plane Overruns Runway, Crashes Into Indian Ocean
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 1:17 p.m. local time, a commercial airliner, operated by Starkey Aviation, carrying 50 passengers and five crew members, “overran” the runway at Somalia’s Mogadishu Aden Abdulle International Airport (AAIA). "The aircraft developed a mechanical problem about 15 minutes into the flight and attempted to return to Mogadishu, where it crashed into the sea,” according to the statement. It went on to confirm that "there were no fatalities, and the injured were immediately provided with medical care."
Pictures of the crash site posted to X show workers recovering debris from the shallow water as the plane lists to the side.
Diyaarad rakaab oo ay maamusho Shirkadda Duulista ee Starsky Aviation Ltd ayaa maanta shil ku gashay meel u dhaw Garoonka Diyaaradaha ee Caalamiga ah ee Aadan Cadde wax yar ka dib markii ay kacday. Diyaaradda oo sidday 50 rakaab oo ku wajahnayd Guriceel iyo Gaalkacyo, waxaa soo… pic.twitter.com/7kJykwVURD
— AUSSOM (@aussom_) February 10, 2026
No Fatalities or Injuries Were Reported
Ahmed Moalim, director of Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority, confirmed that the aircraft was bound for the northern African city of Gaalkacyo when it reportedly developed a mechanical problem about 15 minutes after takeoff. The aircraft was approved to make an emergency landing, but during the attempt, the plane veered from the runway and to the shoreline, where it crashed and rolled into the Indian Ocean.
"We are relieved to confirm that all passengers and crew are safe. Investigations are underway to establish what caused the technical issue that led to the emergency landing," Starsky spokesman Hassan Mohamed Aden said (per theBBC). "The pilot's swift and calm decision-making played a decisive role in ensuring the safety of everyone on board, and we commend him for how he handled the situation.”
"Relevant government agencies are currently on site, and an investigation into the cause of the incident is underway," the SCAA wrote in the press release. "The SCAA is working closely with all concerned authorities to collect and assess all necessary information. Further updates will be provided as more details become available."