South African regional carrier Airlink has recruited an independent specialist to carry out an extensive review its operations after a string of accidents involving the airline.

One of Airlink's Embraer ERJ-135s suffered substantial damage yesterday after overran while landing at George Airport, coming to rest 200m (660ft) off the end of runway 11, beyond the perimeter fence.

While none of the passengers or crew was seriously injured, the accident was the airline's third serious event in the space of 10 weeks.

As a result Airlink is bringing in a recently-retired South African Airways flight-safety specialist to look at its procedures.

"I have called for the net to be cast wide," says Airlink chief Rodger Foster, adding that the review will examine "numerous aspects".

These will include its leadership structure, cockpit resource management techniques, and compliance with standard operating procedures.

"While we are confident that Airlink complies with South African and international regulation and best practice, if there are gaps, then we want to know where they are," says Foster. "We will implement whatever measures are necessary to close them."

Airlink is already assisting the South African Civil Aviation Authority with an operational audit, tightened in the wake of yesterday's overrun.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news