An aircraft crash-landed at the Malakal airstrip in Upper Nile State on Friday morning, according to local authorities.
Francis Nyang Awuok, the deputy mayor for land in Malakal Municipality, told Radio Tamazuj this afternoon that the incident involved a plane owned by Africano Company. The aircraft experienced a wheel burst while attempting to land, intending to transport returnees to Juba.
Deputy Mayor Awuok assured that the Kenyan pilot aboard the plane was safe, and further investigations are underway to determine the specifics of the incident. He stated that the plane seemed to be in good condition, emphasizing that ongoing efforts are being made to gather more information about the crash.
“At 8 am, the incident occurred when a plane, en route from Juba to pick up returnees who had fled Sudan’s war from Malakal to Juba, encountered issues upon landing at our airport. The plane, which came to transport returnees, had no passengers on board. It is currently situated on the runway, exhibiting signs of trouble with its wheel,” explained Deputy Mayor Awuok.
An airport official, who requested anonymity due to media restrictions, confirmed the incident and assured that the plane was in good condition.
The official stated, “The Africano company’s aircraft experienced a landing mishap where its tires burst and inverted, causing the lower part of the plane to rest on the runway without wheels. Fortunately, there was only one pilot on board, and he was unharmed. Importantly, the overall condition of the plane remains sound.”