Civil aviation inspectors are scheduled to visit the Eteringbang Airstrip to probe an incident involving a Jags Aviation passenger aircraft that ran off the airstrip upon landing and crashed into vegetation.
Director-General of the Guyana’s Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Egbert Field yesterday confirmed the incident and indicated that from preliminary reports no injuries or fatalities occurred. He, however, added that the agency is still in the process of gathering information on what transpired.
The aircraft was carrying 11 persons, including the pilot. The police confirmed that all the passengers and pilot were able to exit the plane unharmed.
Regional Chairman of Region Seven Kenneth Williams, in a brief comment yesterday, told Stabroek News that from reports made to him, the incident occurred at around 16.20 hrs yesterday afternoon and was due to a heavy tailwind. He stated that the plane was occupied by 10 passengers.
Meanwhile, in a statement last night the police said the aircraft, a Britten-Norman Islander plane, bears registration marking 8R-GGTwas piloted by Captain Errol Pearson.
Police said as a result of the crash sections of the aircraft were damaged.
It was revealed that the aircraft departed Eugene F. Correia ‘Ogle’ International Airport at 14:32 hrs with seven adults and three children as passengers.
On landing at Eteringbang Airstrip, the police report explained, the aircraft was unable to ‘nudge’ because of the heavy tailwind causing the plane to run into the bushes.
As a result, the left wing, nose and left landing gear were damaged.
Police said the plane remains at the airstrip and is being guarded.
It is owned by Jags aviation, which is a subsidiary of the BK Group of Companies.
