More than 24 hours after an Air Services Limited aircraft crashed in the dense jungle of Region Eight, Guyana Defence Force rescue teams have yet to reach the site, as treacherous terrain continues to slow the operation and concerns mount for the missing pilot.
The GDF deployed a special forces ground team on Friday after aerial searches confirmed the location of the wreckage. However, steep escarpments, thick forest cover and mountainous terrain have significantly hindered progress. In an early Saturday statement, the GDF confirmed that members of its 31 Special Forces Squadron had reached a position within visual proximity of the confirmed crash site of aircraft 8R-YAC, with further updates promised as the operation continues.
Supporting assets include a Skyvan Aircraft and a Bell 429 helicopter equipped with a hoist and specialised search and rescue capabilities. Guyana Civil Aviation Authority head Egbert Field noted the aircraft appeared to have struck a mountainside, further complicating access for ground teams.
The GCAA confirmed that the plane departed Mahdia at 08:10hrs on Thursday, bound for Imbaimadai with one person on board. It was due to arrive by 08:40hrs but failed to report its arrival, prompting a flight progress check at 08:44hrs. The authority cited heavy rainfall and reduced visibility as weather conditions in the area at the time. The pilot was reported to be a Nicaraguan national.
Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed criticised the pace of the response, describing it as “unfortunate and unacceptable.” In a Facebook post, he questioned why a force budgeted at $41.8 billion, with access to modern helicopters including the Bell 407 and Bell 429, had deployed only a dozen officers on foot. He attributed the delay to what he called a lack of trained personnel and operational readiness, while acknowledging the bravery of those on the ground.
The Aviation Operators Association of Guyana said all private aircraft operators are providing full assistance to the national operation and expressed prayers for a successful rescue.
SOURCE: Kaieteur News, “GDF yet to reach crash site after 24 hours,” April 12, 2026
