Aircraft operations of Sakurai Aviation suspended with immediate effect

Civil Aviation Authority has suspended all aircraft operations by Sakurai Aviation Ltd with immediate effect until further notice, stated State Minister of Aviation and Export Zones Development, D. V Chanaka.

In a period of less than a week, two light aircrafts belonging to Sakurai Aviation have been forced to make an emergency landing following technical difficulties owing to engine failure.

The CAA stated that a special inquiry has been launched to the incident that took place today when a Cessna 172 belonging to the company made an emergency landing at a paddy field in Kimbulapitiya.

Two pilots and two passengers were present at the time of the accident, have been admitted to a hospital for treatment.

A flight belonging to the same private carrier made an emergency landing at Payagala beach on 22 December.

The aircraft which was operated by two trainee pilots also made an emergency landing following a fault in the engine.

The previous flight was a Piper PA38-112 Tomahawk which belonged to Sakurai Aviation Private Limited.