Private Aircraft Bound for BVI Makes Emergency Landing in St. Thomas

A private aircraft en route from Martinique to the British Virgin Islands was forced to make an emergency landing at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas after reporting a fire in its hydraulic system.

The plane, carrying one pilot and two passengers, was approaching the BVI when warning indicators signaled a critical issue. With safety as the top priority, the pilot opted to divert to St. Thomas, where the aircraft landed safely.

According to a source, the hydraulic problem began during the instrument approach into the BVI. The pilot chose to divert to the U.S. Virgin Islands due to its longer runway, ensuring a safer landing. The aircraft was registered in the United States, bearing a November registration.

While there were no reported injuries, the disabled aircraft remains on the airport’s sole runway, causing temporary disruptions to flights in and out of St. Thomas. The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) has deployed resources to remove the plane as quickly as possible, with the airport expected to reopen by 2:00 p.m. today.

Travelers with connections through St. Thomas are advised to stay updated on flight schedules as officials work to restore normal operations.

Source: VI Consortium