The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is awaiting an official report from the pilot of the Roraima Airways Skylander which skidded off the airstrip at the Kaeiteur National Park on Wednesday morning before it moves forward with investigations.

Acting Director General Paula Mc Adam  told Stabroek  News yesterday that  GCAA inspectors had visited the scene after the accident  and while an on-the- spot interview was conducted with the pilot  his official report for which he has a 72-hour deadline, is crucial to investigations.

This newspaper was unable to confirm whether the pilot had submitted his report at the end of yesterday.

Mc Adam said so far passengers have been  interviewed.

She added  however that  the Kaieteur Airstrip is one of the better airstrips in Guyana and its length  is more than adequate for the type of operation.

Asked about the condition of the aircraft, Mc Adam said she felt that it was severely damaged. Its nose wheel was completely wrenched backwards and most of the damage the aircraft sustained was on its left side, she said. She did not want to pronounce on what may have caused the mishap until investigations are complete. She confirmed that no one was injured.

The Roraima Airways Skylander carrying tourists skidded off the airstrip and ended up in a nearby ditch  some 30 feet off the runway. Roraima Chief Executive Officer Gerry Gouveia, who is currently out of the country, spoke with this newspaper on Thursday night and said he was aware of the incident. He was not clear about what may have caused it.

The damaged craft has since been grounded.

Another aircraft had to be flown into Kaieteur on the day of the incident to transport the passengers to the city.