The operations manager of South Sudan Supreme Airlines has blamed the flight crew of their ill-fated plane which crashed in Jonglei State’s Uror County last year for carrying passengers without the airline’s authorization.
Joseph Ladu was answering questions during cross-examination at the Malakia Court in Juba during the ongoing hearing of a case brought against the airline by families of the victims of the plane crash.
The families of the victims of the plane crash have been in court for over a year demanding compensation after their kin perished in the South Sudan Supreme Airlines plane crash at the Pieri Airstrip in Uror County of Jonglei.
The aircraft, a Let L-410 with registration number HK-4274, crashed shortly after takeoff killing all 10 people on board, including two crew members, in March 2021.
During the cross-examination in court, Monyluak Alor Kuol, the plaintiff’s counsel questioned South Sudan Supreme Airlines’ operations manager, Joseph Ladu, on whether the aircraft was serviced, and insured and if the company was aware of the eight passengers who perished in the crash.
In his defense, Ladu said he is not in charge of the servicing or providing insurance for the company’s aircraft or the passengers onboard. He said the pilot decided to carry the passengers.
However, presiding Judge James Ladu, also questioned the airline’s operations manager about which article in the Aviation Act permits the pilots to carry passengers without the knowledge of the company. He agreed with the plaintiffs that passengers onboard are under the full responsibility of the airline company.
The case was adjourned to Thursday next week when the defense team is expected to produce another witness.