9 dead in Turkish plane crash in Amsterdam

[February 25, 2009]  AMSTERDAM (AP) -- A Turkish Airlines plane with 135 people aboard slammed into a field Wednesday while attempting to land at Amsterdam's main airport, killing nine people and injuring more than 50, the area's acting mayor said.

The airline had said earlier that everyone survived.

"At this moment there are nine victims to mourn and more than 50 injured," said Michel Bezuijen, acting mayor of Haarlemmermeer, said at a news conference. He said there was no immediate word on the cause of the crash.

Bezuijen said at least 25 of the injured were in a serious condition and that both crew members and passengers were hurt.

The plane broke into three sections on impact and its jet engines landed some about 100 yards (100 meters) away from the wreckage in a muddy field.

Candan Karlitekin, the head of the airline's board of directors, told reporters in Turkey that visibility was good at the time of landing.

"Visibility was clear and around 5,000 yards (4,500 meters). Some 550 yards (500 meters) before landing; the plane landed on a field instead of the runway," he said.

"We have checked the plane's documents and there is no problem concerning maintenance," he added.

Turkish Airlines CEO Temel Kotil said the captain Hasan Tahsin, a former air force pilot, was very experienced.

[Associated Press; By PETER DEJONG]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.