Runway incursions could end in tragedy - Aviation operators warn

(Kaieteur News) – The Aviation Operators’ Association of Guyana (AOAG) is warning that the growing threat of animals, people and other obstructions entering active runways, particularly at hinterland aerodromes could result in a serious aviation tragedy if urgent measures are not taken.

The warning comes in the wake of the recent aircraft occurrence at Mabaruma, where an aircraft ran off the runway during landing following an animal incursion. While the circumstances of that incident remain under investigation by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the AOAG said the broader problem of animals and people entering aerodrome operating areas has been a longstanding concern for aircraft operators.

According to the association, an aircraft taking off or landing is at one of the most critical stages of flight, leaving pilots with very little time to respond when an unexpected obstruction appears on the runway. A dog, cow, horse, pig, bird, person, vehicle or other obstruction could force a pilot to make an emergency decision within seconds, including aborting a take-off, executing a go-around, applying heavy braking or taking evasive action.