Pilot feared dead as ASL aircraft crashes shortly after takeoff from Mahdia

– special forces initiate search & rescue mission

A pilot is feared dead after an Air Services Limited (ASL) aircraft reportedly crashed shortly after taking off from Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), on Friday.
The single-engine Cessna aircraft, bearing registration number 8R-YAC, was being operated by a Nicaraguan national, Captain Ryder Castello, with approximately 20 years of flying experience. He was the sole occupant on board and had been employed with ASL for about a decade. According to reports, the aircraft departed Mahdia at approximately 08:10h on a cargo shuttle flight bound for Imbaimadai, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), with an expected arrival time of 08:40h.

However, it failed to report its arrival, prompting a flight progress check at 08:44h. At the time, weather conditions in the area were reportedly poor, with heavy rainfall and reduced visibility. The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) swiftly responded to the incident, initiating protocols for a missing aircraft involving a Cessna 208 operating along the Mahdia–Imbaimadai route. Search efforts led to the visual identification of the suspected crash site by two Trans Guyana Airways Cessna Caravans and a Britten-Norman Islander. Subsequently, a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rescue team, comprising special forces and medical personnel, was deployed to the location. Guyana Times understands that the rescue team has to trek through mountainous terrains to reach the area where the plane crashed. This, according to experts, will take some time. However, the situation remains active, and all information is considered preliminary pending on-site verification.
Meanwhile, the Aviation Operators’ Association of Guyana (AOAG) has expressed deep concern and sadness over the incident.
In a statement on Friday, the association confirmed that a full-scale air search and rescue operation was launched, resulting in the rapid location of the aircraft. The AOAG noted that private aircraft operators across the country have mobilised in support of the national response, demonstrating strong collaboration within the aviation sector. The association also stated that it remains in close communication with the GDF and continues to offer its full support throughout the rescue operation.

Additionally, the AOAG extended prayers and best wishes for the safe recovery of the pilot. The incident has triggered a coordinated national response, highlighting the aviation community’s commitment to safety, solidarity and swift action during emergencies.
This tragic accident comes on the heels of the GCAA suspending ASL from operating flights to Matthews Ridge in Region One – following an incident on the runway there. The suspension only lasted a few days, after which, the airline was allowed to resume its operations while the pilot involved in the incident was suspended for a month. This incident also comes on the heels of the December 2023 GDF Bell 412 helicopter crash that killed five out of the seven soldiers onboard. That crash happened about 30 miles east of Arau near the Venezuelan border. Those dead are Lieutenant Colonel, Michael Charles, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Retired Brigadier, Gary Beaton, Lieutenant Colonel, Sean Welcome and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan. The two survivors are Corporal Dwayne Jackson and Lieutenant Andio Crawford.
The report into that fatal accident has not been released for national security reasons, officials have said.