A Somali airline pilot is being hailed as a hero after safely crash-landing a faulty passenger plane on a seashore near Mogadishu, saving all 55 people on board. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when the aircraft experienced a technical issue shortly after takeoff.
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, a Fokker 50 operated by Starsky Aviation took off from Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport en route to Puntland. Shortly after departure, the crew reported a technical fault and requested an immediate return to Mogadishu. The plane, carrying 50 passengers and five crew members, was forced to make an emergency landing.
The aircraft touched down on the runway but failed to stop, overshooting the tarmac and coming to rest in shallow water along the shoreline of the Indian Ocean. All occupants evacuated safely, with no serious injuries reported. Footage shared on social media showed passengers walking away from the wreckage on the beach, highlighting the calm evacuation.
Starsky Aviation praised the pilot for his quick thinking and calm decision-making, which they said was crucial in ensuring everyone’s safety. The airline’s spokesman, Hassan Mohamed Aden, stated, ‘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.’
Rescue efforts were promptly initiated, with the African Union’s mission in Somalia announcing that United Nations and AU troops were ‘swiftly deployed’ to assist. Somalia’s transport minister was also present at the scene, coordinating the response and ensuring that all individuals were accounted for and safe.
Somalia’s Civil Aviation Authority, led by director Ahmed Macalin Hassan, confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the technical issue. While the specific problem remains unclear, authorities are examining the aircraft’s systems and maintenance records. This incident sheds light on the aviation safety challenges in Somalia, a nation striving to rebuild its infrastructure after years of instability.
The successful emergency landing without fatalities is a positive development for Somalia’s aviation sector, which has been working to enhance safety standards and regain public confidence. It underscores the critical role of pilot training and preparedness in managing in-flight emergencies, especially in regions with limited resources.
Moving forward, authorities are focused on completing the investigation to identify any systemic issues and prevent similar incidents. Starsky Aviation is likely to review its maintenance protocols and emergency procedures, while the pilot’s actions may be cited as a case study in effective crisis management. The event serves as a reminder of the resilience and skill required in aviation, particularly in challenging environments.
