Cape Air Flight Landed Safely at King Airport After In-flight Bird Strike

A Cape Air flight en route to the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas from the British Virgin Islands encountered an inflight emergency that required assistance upon landing this afternoon. Virgin Islands Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe said that at approximately 2:53 pm, Cape Air flight KAP8861 experienced 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.

VIPA’s Airport Operations and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighter personnel assisted all five passengers and the pilot on board. 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.

VIPA has remained in contact with Cape Air officials and federal aviation agencies regarding this matter. The incident did not affect airport operations, and the King Airport remained open. VIPA thanks all responders who assisted with the emergency.

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