An Ameriflight twin engine plane experienced smoke in the cockpit of their aircraft and made an emergency landing Wednesday evening, July 20th around 8:30pm at Brownwood Regional Airport.
The Ameriflight aircraft was a cargo plane, its only passengers two pilots, according to officials at Brownwood Regional Airport. The pilots contacted the Fort Worth Center of the FAA who instructed them that Brownwood Regional Airport was the closest place to make a landing. Although it was after hours and the usual airport crew was not present, the Brownwood Fire Department stood ready to help with an emergency situation if it were to arise. The landing was successful and no injuries were reported according to airport officials.
“It was scary for the pilots, who were flying into an airport they were not familiar with,” stated Jenetta Brown, an employee of the airport.
Brown explained that the landing was during daylight hours making the unfamiliar landing a little easier for the pilots, considering the situation.
The cause of the smoke was determined to be a computer related problem, requiring a part to be delivered out of Dallas. The pilots were able to drive into town by airport vehicle and stayed in a local hotel for the night. Thursday morning, a mechanic drove from Dallas with the needed part and made the repair.
The pilots were able to get back on the plane and take off to make the remainder of their flight to Dallas Thursday afternoon around 1:45pm.
According to their website, Ameriflight is a high priority cargo shipping company which boasts over 1700 departures each week and a fleet of over 170 aircraft serving 200 plus communities throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.
