A Gulfstream G650 private jet owned by millionaire businessman JP McManus was forced to make an emergency landing at Shannon Airport yesterday.
The crew declared an amergency over the Irish Sea and later admitted they had suffered a left engine failure, having only left Shannon Airport a short time before.
They first issued a Pan-Pan radio distress message, although later escalated it to a May-Day distress message, whilst requesting permission to make a direct U-turn and return to the airport.
Emergency services were deployed on the ground at Shannon, including the local authority fire service, National Ambulance Service, HSE and An Garda Síochána.
Shannon’s main runway saw airport fire and rescue crews were deployed to designated holding points, while units of the fire brigade from Shannon Town and Ennis were mobilised to the airport along with ambulances and rapid response advanced paramedic unit.
The flight was eventually able to safely land at around 7pm, and was taxied to the Westair Aviation hangar accompanied by airport fire crews.
Following the safe landing Mr McManus, who was on board the flight along with several others, was seen walking to his private helicopter which then took him to his home near Kilmallock, Co Limerick.