6 people have been killed and 6 others injured when a MANX2 commuter jet crashed while trying to land in heavy fog this morning in Cork, Ireland. Flight 7100 was on Domestic Swearingen SA227 Metroliner Service from Belfast to Cork, with 10 passengers and 2 crew members onboard. The aircraft, registrationg EC-ITP and pictured above, was being operated for Manx2 by FLIGHTLINE, whose call sign is FLIGHTAVIA and is based in Barcelona, Spain. According to media reports, the SW4 departed Belfast at 8:12am and was due to land in Cork at 9:10am. At Cork, the crew had aborted 2 approaches to runway 17 and 35 and was on its 3rd approach, to runway 17 again, when it crashed and rolled over onto its back at around 9:45am. The aircraft came to rest near the runway, abeam taxiway C. A fire broke out, but was quickly extinguished by the responding Emergency Services. Debris was scattered over a wide area, including the runway.
Airport officials said that 6 people, including both Pilots, died in the crash. Of the 6 remaining passengers, 4 were seriously injured and 2 received minor injuries. The 2 passengers with minor injuries were reported to be "walking wounded". The Irish Air Accident Investigation Unit has arrived on the scene and has opened a full investigation into the crash. A spokesman for the AAIU said it will examine the black boxes, air traffic control tapes, radar information, weather reports and the condition and operation of the aircraft to establish the cause of the crash. There was no word from officials on the scene on whether the CVR or FDR had been located and secured. Ireland's President Mary McAleese expressed her deep shock and sadness. "The President said her thoughts and prayers, and those of all the people of Ireland, are with the families of the deceased and the survivors at this very difficult time," a spokeswoman said. Meanwhile, the Cork Airport has been closed until tomorrow. AER LINGUS, RYANAIR and other carriers have all diverted flights to other Airports in the region.
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