Helicopter lands safely after emergency is declared at Sumburgh Airport

A full emergency was declared at Sumburgh Airport this morning when a Bristow Sikorsky S-92 helicopter with 20 people on board alerted Shetland Coastguard of a problem.

The aircraft, carrying 18 passengers and two crewmembers, was heading to an offshore installation when the emergency occurred. Bristow said later it was caused by a caution light being illuminated in the cockpit during the routine flight.

The “pan pan” message conveying a “state of urgency” with the helicopter needing to land was received at 10.15am by coastguards, who alerted teams from Lerwick, Sumburgh and Noness to respond.

Fire appliances from Lerwick and Sandwick were called to the scene and stood by while the helicopter landed safely at around 10.30am.

The aircraft is currently being inspected by engineers and is expected to resume normal service later today. “Safety is Bristow’s number one priority,” the company said.