GCAA investigates aircraft that mistakenly landed at school in Region Nine

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has launched an investigation after an Air Services Limited Cessna 208 Grand Caravan (8R-THR) mistakenly landed at the site of the new Lumidpau Secondary School in Region Nine on Thursday morning.

- Advertisement -

The aircraft was en route to Karaudarnau in the South Rupununi when the pilot landed at the school compound, located a short distance from the Lumidpau airstrip. During take-off, the plane reportedly struck and partially damaged the fence surrounding the newly constructed school. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported.

A local resident, Dan Rickson, said the pilot appeared to be a Spanish-speaking national who may not have been familiar with the area. “The airstrip is just a short distance away from where the plane landed. It seems he didn’t realise it wasn’t the correct location,” Rickson explained.

In a statement on Friday, the GCAA said the aircraft has been grounded and the pilot suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. Air Services Limited has also been formally notified.

“The GCAA is dedicated to ensuring a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding this incident to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety,” the Authority said.

The investigation will focus on how the mislanding occurred and whether procedural or navigational errors contributed to the incident.