GCAA probes 2 aircraft tyre blowouts at Matthews Ridge runway 

…suspends ASL pilot licence

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has launched an investigation after two aircraft suffered tyre punctures upon landing at Matthews Ridge in Region One (Barima-Waini) on Thursday. The first incident occurred at approximately 07:55h and involved a Cessna 208 Caravan, registration 8R-KAB, operated by Jags Aviation while the second incident occurred at approximately 08:15h and involved an Air Services Limited (ASL) Cessna 208 Caravan, registration 8R-GCB. GCAA said preliminary reports indicate that the Jags Aviation Cessna 208 sustained a puncture to its left landing gear tyre while manoeuvring in the parking area. According to the GCAA, the ASL aircraft landed on the prepared surface before overrunning onto an unprepared section of the airstrip. This resulted in a puncture to the left landing gear tyre. Additionally, GCAA has said that it has suspended licence of an Air Services Limited (ASL) pilot pending a full investigation. There were no reported injuries nor was there any significant damage to the planes, the GCAA noted.

Heightened caution
Nevertheless, the regulatory body explained that it had issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) advising pilots to exercise heightened caution during approach, landing, and take-off at the Matthews Ridge runway, which is currently undergoing upgrades. Pilots review these NOTAMs during pre-flight briefings, the GCAA said. Upon completion, the upgraded Matthews Ridge airstrip will measure 4000 feet in length and 80 feet in width, featuring a reinforced eight-inch-thick pavement.

The project is currently being executed by a workforce of over 60 residents from the village. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had previously noted that the $800 million upgrade will elevate the facility to a Tier One aviation hub, capable of handling traffic comparable to the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle. Matthews Ridge serves as a vital transportation hub for the manganese mining community and surrounding villages. The new runway is expected to strengthen regional connectivity, support economic expansion, and drastically improve access to essential services for residents.