Private Plane Crash-Lands at Cyril E. King Airport, Prompting Runway Closure

All passengers unharmed; flights diverted as runway set to reopen by 2:30 p.m.

  • Ernice Gilbert
  • September 22, 2024
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Emergency response teams attend to a Beechcraft Baron following a crash landing at the Cyril E. King Airport on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.

ST. THOMAS — The Cyril E. King Airport runway will be closed for the next hour or so, according to the V.I. Port Authority, following the crash landing of a private aircraft.

The aircraft, owned by dentist Dr. Trevor Connor, was carrying three individuals, all of whom are reported to be okay, according to VIPA. Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe said the runway will reopen for traffic at 2:30 p.m. At least one flight has been diverted to St. Croix to land, while another landed in Puerto Rico.

"In an hour, everything will be back to normal," said Mr. Dowe, who also noted that the aircraft had settled off the strip on grass. However, flights would not be permitted to land until the vehicle is transported to a safe area and an all-clear is given.

The private plane, a Beechcraft Baron, crash-landed at about noon on Sunday, according to the Port Authority.

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