No serious injuries were reported by AHS after a small private aircraft landed short of the runway at Medicine Hat Regional Airport on Wednesday. Crews managed to clear the area within two-hours, allowing the airport to return to normal operation with the delay of one WestJet flight departing from Calgary.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Health officials with Alberta Health Services confirmed to the News they did respond to the Medicine Hat Regional Airport on Wednesday afternoon after a small private aircraft landed short of the runway, however the two occupants of the aircraft did not require to be transferred to hospital.
City officials say the small aircraft landed short of the runway on airport property and came to rest in the grass where it was unable to move without assistance.
Airport operations staff worked quickly to clear the runway following the incident. Visible damage could be seen on the landing gear and the aircraft’s nose. Crews were able to tow the aircraft on its working landing gear wheels to a nearby hangar.
Crews were able to clear the runway in approximately two hours after the aircraft touched down, however the incident did require WestJet to delay a flight from Calgary for more than three hours. The flight arrived Wednesday evening shortly before 7 p.m.
“The City of Medicine Hat would like to thank the frontline airport crews for their prompt response to ensure a safe and efficient return to normal operations,” reads a statement from the city. “We would also like to thank airport users and passengers for their patience and understanding while this matter was resolved.”
All airport operations and flights have returned to normal schedule.
The News has reached out for comment from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and will provide readers more details when they become available.
