An investigation has been launched after an aircraft veered off the runway at the Mahdia Airstrip on Sunday.
According to a police statement, the aircraft landed at Mahdia with five passengers on board, then reportedly veered off the runway and came to a stop on the eastern side of the airstrip.
No injuries were reported among the pilot or passengers, and no cargo was lost or damaged. The aircraft’s wheels were slightly damaged.
Police say statements have been taken from the people involved. The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority has not yet commented on the incident.
The incident comes amid wider concerns about safety at hinterland airstrips. Last week, the Aviation Operators’ Association of Guyana warned about the dangers of animals, people and other obstructions entering active runways at hinterland aerodromes. The Association said pilots may have only seconds to react during take-off and landing. It urged communities near airstrips to keep livestock away and report hazards, and it called on the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority to make sure all aerodromes meet the required safety standards. The GCAA is also investigating a separate runway excursion involving a Trans Guyana Airways aircraft at Mabaruma earlier this month.