Lucky escape in Knock plane crash

5/29/2002 - By: Michael Commins

Six people aboard a small aircraft had a fortunate escape at Knock Airport on Sunday when their plane crashed on landing and careered off the edge of the runway. Among those on board was well known Dublin-based businessman and concert promoter Ossie Kilkenny, who is understood to be a regular visitor to Knock Airport and Ashford Castle.
The special 8-seater amphibious plane was caught in a crosswind as it landed just after 3 p.m. and veered off the runway causing severe damage to the undercarriage. All the passengers were able to walk free from the crash scene.
Knock Airport was immediately closed down and the Ryanair flight from Stansted was diverted to Dublin while the Aer Arann flight from Dublin was diverted to Sligo.
Passengers awaiting to board the British Airways flight to Manchester which had arrived some minutes earlier faced an eight hour delay until clearance for take-off was given around 10.45 p.m. and the airport was declared open again.