CO CORK, Ireland - Firefighters were alerted at Cork Airport earlier Friday morning after a French military plane issued a 'pan-pan' alert declaring a fire on board and requesting immediate assistance.
The incident occurred around 7.30 a.m., and the turboprop plane, carrying 20 people, landed safely at the airport 40 minutes later.
There was no sign of a fire, and everyone on board the plane was said to be okay.
The crew declined assistance and asked that the aircraft not be inspected by Cork Airport police and firefighters.
The crew requested permission to refuel before departing Cork.
Its location at the time the 'pan-pan' was declared, as well as the purpose of the flight, are unknown.
A 'pan-pan' is an international emergency signal used to declare that an aircraft, ship, or other vessel requires assistance but that there is no immediate danger.
6 
