Two passengers on board Cape Air flight KAP8861 received injuries after the aircraft came into contact with birds following its departure from the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport to the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands.
The Virgin Islands Ports Authority (VIPA) confirmed the incident in a media release on Sunday, June 4, stating that the incident occurred around 2:53 p.m. after a bird strike north of Water Island just before landing.
“The aircraft landed at CEKA at 2:56 p.m. without incident and taxied to the terminal gate under its own power,” the VIPA stated.
The Ports Authority also revealed that their Airport Operations and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighter personnel sprang into action quickly after the plane landed where five passengers and the pilot were assisted.
“VI Fire and Emergency Services also responded to the incident. The passengers of the aircraft were transported to the Schneider Regional Medical Center. While two of the passengers were injured, thankfully, there were no fatalities,” the statement added.
The incident did not affect regular operations at the Cyril E. King Airport which remained open.