Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn says that the aircraft found on an illegal airstrip in Guyana’s interior was seized early this morning, GINA reported.
Benn stated that changes had been made to the colour of the aircraft and to its identifying number and that law enforcement agencies, including the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA), are on site.
Benn told the media that the aircraft of Ecuadorean registration 8CCIK, which was destined for Boa Vista, was on Saturday afternoon recorded missing by the GCAA’s Air Traffic Control.
According to GINA, intensive searches revealed the aircraft at an airstrip east of Pirara, Rupununi.
GINA said that the aircraft piloted by Brazilian Goncalo Ferrera Nema Neto arrived in Guyana en route from Trinidad two months ago on a technical flight. Such flights are normal and enable aircraft seeking stop-overs for rest, fuel and servicing. Benn stated that local authorities were told that the aircraft which was headed towards Boa Vista, Brazil required maintenance and was receiving such at the Ogle Airport.
Benn stated that the airstrip was illegal.