A private Gulfstream IV presidential jet was on Thursday night involved almost in a plane crash, causing temporary flights disruption.
The jet carrying President Joseph Boakai of Liberia had its landing gear malfunctioned while on the runway at Roberts International Airport (RIA), causing a rough landing. The minor incident forced airport officials to cancel all scheduled flights for the night.
Local media reports shows that President Boakai was returning from a trip in Nigeria where he had gone to attend the 50th anniversary of the regional Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas). He was safely evacuated unharmed, together with his entourage.
Airport authorities, said one of the plane’s tyres had burst upon landing leaving it stranded on the runway.
In a statement, the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) confirmed the “unfortunate near-accident situation” involving the presidential jet.
However, the authority dismissed reports suggesting that the incident was caused by poor runway conditions.
“The runway infrastructure remains fully compliant with international aviation safety standards,” the LAA said.
LAA noted that investigation to establish the actual cause of the incident is ongoing.
