AIRPORT – Princess Juliana International Airport operating company confirms that American Eagle flight AE 5039 en route to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic returned to St. Maarten after electrical problems were experienced in the cockpit. The plane departed PJIA at 13:05 hours and at approximately 13:25 the captain reported to the Air Traffic Control that the plane would return to St. Maarten. PJAE mobilized its emergency response immediately after receiving the notification. The aircraft landed safely at 13:33 and none of the 46 passengers and 4 crew members on board the aircraft were injured. Our medical coordinator was on site and checked passengers out of precautionary measures.
Because the aircraft was unable to taxi to the apron on its own power, the runway was closed for in- and outbound traffic from the moment of the landing until 14:45 hours, when the towing away of the aircraft was completed. As a result of the closure, 6 aircraft were delayed to depart St. Maarten. In addition 5 aircraft could not land as scheduled of which a Winair flight diverted to Saba and a Trans Anguilla flight returned to Anguilla.
The exact cause of the problems experienced is being investigated and arrangements have been made by the Airline to ensure that the stranded passengers will reach their destination.
We express sincere appreciation for the cooperation extended by all entities and persons involved in this emergency response.
Princess Juliana International Airport operating company N.V.
Simpson Bay
drs. Eugene B. Holiday
President