Passengers returning from a holiday in Lanzarote had what they described as a "miraculous" escape when the nose wheels of a Boeing 737-800 jet collapsed on landing at Shannon Airport yesterday.
The jet, owned by Futura International Airways - a subsidiary of Aer Lingus - slewed across the main runway for 300 yards, but the pilot managed to guide it safely to a halt. It ended up on its belly, with some damage to the fuselage.
Eight people received hospital treatment, including a woman with a broken ankle, while others, including the pilot, were treated at the airport. There were 189 passengers and a crew of six on board the jet which has been in operation for six months.
A local investigation began immediately and officials from the accident department of the Irish Aviation Authority arrived later.
Some passengers on the JWT charter flight said the aircraft had been "bouncing around" before landing and a number of women and children were screaming.
Mr Frank Thompson, a Limerick undertaker, said: "It was a frightening experience. There was a big crash as we landed and the front door burst open. Fortunately I had earlier been moved from the first seat to the seat number four. Had I remained in my original seat with my wife, Brenda, no knowing what would have happened.
"The door in front split open and luggage was hurled off the front section. Had we not had our seat belts still secured, we would have been hurled in on top of the passengers in front of us."
Mr Thompson, who has carried funerals relating to five of the major crashes at Shannon since 1954, said: "I never thought I would find myself in such a position, remembering the tragedies in the past."
Mr Dan Loughrey, corporate affairs director with Aer Lingus, said it was too early to speculate on the cause. Futura and the Department of Public Enterprise would carry out investigations, he said.
The main runway was closed up to late last night as other flights were diverted, mainly to Dublin. It was hoped the airport would be open in time for this morning's transatlantic flights.
Mr Loughrey said the incident turned out not to be dangerous and the cabin crew acted professionally. A Futura spokesman said: "There were no serious injuries to passengers or crew in this incident and, in line with standard safety procedures, we are currently commencing our investigation and will co-operate fully with investigations by regulatory authorities."