Garcia bunkered as jet diverted to Shannon
The Hawker Beechcraft 4000 twin-engined jet was on its way from Cardiff in Wales to Bangor, Maine, in the US at the time. It’s understood the jet’s ultimate destination was Charlotte, North Carolina, where Garcia, 33, is due to play in the Wells Fargo Championship in Quail Hollow on Thursday.
There were three people on board the jet, which was about 300km off the Irish coast when the crew contacted air traffic controllers at Shannon to declare an emergency.
The pilot reported a generator problem and expressed concern that the jet would not be able to vacate the runway after landing and might have to be towed.
The Coast Guard was also informed of the incident, and search and rescue units were placed on alert.
Shannon Airport’s fire and rescue service was on standby, while three units of the fire brigade from Shannon Town were also mobilised to the airport as back up.
Two additional units from Ennis were sent to a holding point adjacent to the M18 motorway in case they were required to assist. An ambulance from Limerick City, along with a second ambulance and advanced paramedic unit from Ennis were also on standby at the airport.
The jet touched down safely at 2.22pm and was quickly accompanied along the runway by crash vehicles.
The aircraft came to a safe stop and was able to vacate the runway under its own power. It was directed to taxi to a remote parking area, still escorted by emergency vehicles.
Fire officers met the crew after landing to see whether their assistance was required. Crash tenders remained with the aircraft with personnel manning fire hoses for a short time.
Only one person, believed to be the pilot, got off the aircraft to speak to emergency services personnel and ground-handling staff.
While Mr Garcia was not seen, it is believed he was on board the jet. Currently ranked 14th in the world, Mr Garcia’s initials make up the last two letters of his jet’s registration (N901SG).
The flight was able to resume it’s journey at around 4.30pm after engineers gave the jet the all clear.
Staff from Signature Flight Support met the jet on arrival. A spokesman said: “Our policy is to not comment on who is or is not flying on a private aircraft.”
