Plane’s tyre explodes during take-off at Mabaruma Airstrip

A potentially disastrous incident was averted when the tyre of a single-engine Cessna Grand Caravan exploded just as it was preparing to take off at the Mabaruma Airstrip in the North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini).
The incident which occurred at about 10:00h on Friday, sent panic among the passengers on board but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
According to eyewitnesses from the community, passengers bound for Georgetown had boarded the aircraft, and shortly after it turned onto the runway, the tyre suffered a blowout.
As a result of the blown-out tyre, the plane’s propeller struck the ground, leading to the engine’s shutdown. It was reported that the situation could have been far worse if not for the quick response of the pilot and the prompt action taken by airport personnel.

Videos the scene captured the damaged Cessna Grand Caravan, emphasising the severity of the tyre malfunction and the potential disaster averted by the crew’s skilful handling of the situation.
Officials at the Mabaruma Airstrip, in collaboration with aviation authorities, are currently investigating the cause of the tyre blowout to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Last year September, a similar incident occurred when a plane crash-landed at the Eteringbang Airstrip in the Cuyuni District, Region Seven.
The incident took place during stormy weather, and the sky was described as dark and black by an eyewitness. Luckily, all eight adult passengers and the pilot escaped unhurt, but the aircraft suffered significant damage. (G9)