The presidential jet carrying Liberia's President Joseph Boakai faced a grave landing scare on Thursday night, resulting in a temporary halt to flights at Roberts International Airport. According to authorities, the plane's landing gear malfunctioned as it approached the runway, leading to a rough and hazardous landing situation.
Witnesses reported palpable panic at the scene, prompting the cancellation of all scheduled flights for the night. Boakai was returning from Nigeria where he attended the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Thankfully, the president and his entourage were safely evacuated without injury.
Photos of the malfunctioning aircraft were shared widely on social media, raising concerns about the safety of the presidential flight. Local authorities indicated that a burst tire during landing left the aircraft immobilized on the runway.
The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) characterized the event as an “unfortunate near-accident” while asserting that the runway conditions were not to blame. “The runway infrastructure remains fully compliant with international aviation safety standards,” the LAA stated.
Following the incident, the jet was eventually removed from the runway, and regular flight operations resumed. The authority confirmed an ongoing investigation to determine the precise cause of the landing gear failure, assuring the public that updates will follow.
While President Boakai briefly addressed journalists at the airport, he refrained from commenting on the incident. The indigenous community remains watchful, hoping that improvements in aviation safety standards will be prioritized to prevent future occurrences.
Witnesses reported palpable panic at the scene, prompting the cancellation of all scheduled flights for the night. Boakai was returning from Nigeria where he attended the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Thankfully, the president and his entourage were safely evacuated without injury.
Photos of the malfunctioning aircraft were shared widely on social media, raising concerns about the safety of the presidential flight. Local authorities indicated that a burst tire during landing left the aircraft immobilized on the runway.
The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) characterized the event as an “unfortunate near-accident” while asserting that the runway conditions were not to blame. “The runway infrastructure remains fully compliant with international aviation safety standards,” the LAA stated.
Following the incident, the jet was eventually removed from the runway, and regular flight operations resumed. The authority confirmed an ongoing investigation to determine the precise cause of the landing gear failure, assuring the public that updates will follow.
While President Boakai briefly addressed journalists at the airport, he refrained from commenting on the incident. The indigenous community remains watchful, hoping that improvements in aviation safety standards will be prioritized to prevent future occurrences.
