Flight safety concerns arise after a presidential jet encounters landing gear issues
Aircraft Carrying President Boakai Faces Emergency Landing Incident
Aircraft Carrying President Boakai Faces Emergency Landing Incident
Presidential jet’s gear malfunction leads to airport disruptions
On Thursday night, a private jet transporting Liberian President Joseph Boakai experienced a near-crash situation at Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Liberia, leading to significant disruption in flight operations. Authorities reported a malfunction with the aircraft's landing gear as it approached the runway, resulting in a hard landing that alarmed passengers and airport personnel alike, thus prompting the suspension of all flights for the remainder of the evening.
Fortunately, President Boakai returned safely after a trip to Nigeria, and he was unharmed during the scare. Photos of the grounded aircraft began circulating on social media, heightening concerns for the safety of the President and his entourage. Local media outlets indicated that a tire burst was responsible for the rough landing, leaving the jet immobilized on the runway.
In a statement regarding the incident, the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) referred to the situation as an "unfortunate near-accident" and clarified that claims of poor runway conditions were unfounded, emphasizing that their facilities meet international safety standards. The aircraft has now been removed from the runway, allowing normal airport operations to resume.
While the Liberian presidency has not officially commented on the incident, they did share images of President Boakai at RIA, where he spoke briefly to the press without addressing the landing issue. He had returned from attending the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The investigation into the mechanical failure is still ongoing, with the LAA promising to keep the public updated.
Fortunately, President Boakai returned safely after a trip to Nigeria, and he was unharmed during the scare. Photos of the grounded aircraft began circulating on social media, heightening concerns for the safety of the President and his entourage. Local media outlets indicated that a tire burst was responsible for the rough landing, leaving the jet immobilized on the runway.
In a statement regarding the incident, the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) referred to the situation as an "unfortunate near-accident" and clarified that claims of poor runway conditions were unfounded, emphasizing that their facilities meet international safety standards. The aircraft has now been removed from the runway, allowing normal airport operations to resume.
While the Liberian presidency has not officially commented on the incident, they did share images of President Boakai at RIA, where he spoke briefly to the press without addressing the landing issue. He had returned from attending the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The investigation into the mechanical failure is still ongoing, with the LAA promising to keep the public updated.
