Transport Minister Robeson Benn has confirmed that a privately-owned aircraft crashed at Arau in Region Seven this morning and four persons were injured.
This newspaper was told that the Cessna aircraft crashed around 11.30 am and according to Benn, the GDF’s special forces have been deployed to the scene.
It is believed that the craft might be owned by a miner.
A statement from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority said that a rescue team has been dispatched to Arau where the single-engine light aircraft crashed after takeoff at approximately 11:14 am.
It said that the aircraft is privately owned. One person has been seriously injured.
The pilot is in constant contact with the Rescue Coordination Centre, Timehri Control tower, the GCAA said.
The GCAA this afternoon issued the following update:
Army medical personnel were flown on a Britten Norman Islander from Ogle to Kaikan, Region 7 to assist the injured passengers involved in a crash at Arau airstrip, Region 7 this morning, March 18, 2014.
Accompanying them were investigators from the GCAA who will remain at the crash site to comb through the wreckage for possible clues for the crash. Kaikan is the most suitable aerodrome closest to the crash site.
The privately owned Piper aircraft N87619 owned and operated by Bernard Singh crashed after takeoff from Arau airstrip around 11:14 am with four persons on board. It was reported that three persons received minor injuries while the injury to the fourth person is considered serious.
A Guyana Defence Force helicopter was able to locate the crash site almost immediately after private operator Emile Jahan of Hinterland Aviation Inc. who was flying in the vicinity was able to pinpoint its Global Positioning System (GPS) location.
GCAA activated the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) on receipt of a distress message via satellite telephone from the pilot of the downed aircraft.
Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn along with key personnel from relevant agencies are being updated continuously at the RCC.
