A MAYDAY in Greenland that ended very well

On Wednesday morning, N993DX was en route from Canada to Greenland when it had to declare a MAYDAY due to engine trouble. Fortunately, the incident ended well, with the aircraft landing safely in Narsarsuaq a few hours later.

N993DX, a Piper PA-28 carrying two people, had departed from Goose Bay, Canada, with Narsarsuaq as its destination.

Shortly before the aircraft entered Greenlandic airspace, Naviair's Flight Information Center (FIC) in Nuuk was informed that the aircraft was experiencing engine problems that had the potential to become critical.

The FIC therefore activated Naviair's Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) and maintained close coordination with the Danish Joint Arctic Command. It was decided to prepare the Seahawk helicopter stationed aboard the patrol vessel Thetis at Grønnedal for a possible rescue mission. To save valuable time, Thetis immediately set course south while the helicopter was being readied.

About an hour after N993DX entered Greenlandic airspace, the pilot declared a MAYDAY when the aircraft's engine failed. Fortunately, the pilot managed to restart the engine.

For a short time, it appeared that the aircraft would divert to Paamiut. However, the pilot ultimately decided to continue to Narsarsuaq. Everything went according to plan, and shortly after 11:00 a.m. Greenland time, the aircraft landed safely in Narsarsuaq.

Naviair would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Danish Joint Arctic Command for the excellent cooperation, and especially for launching the Seahawk helicopter from Grønnedal, even though airborne assistance ultimately proved unnecessary.

The photo accompanying this story shows "Junior," RCC Operations Manager, together with FIC operator Daniel (pictured with his back to the camera).