Brigadier Omar Khan, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), has clarified in a recent media conference that there is no evidence indicating Venezuelan aircraft involvement in the disappearance of a GDF helicopter.
Details of the missing aircraft
The missing aircraft was a Bell 412 Helicopter, registered as 8R-AYA.
It was reported missing around 11:20 am after departing from Base Camp Ayanganna for Arau, near the western border with Venezuela, at about 9:20 am.
The helicopter’s Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was detected 30 miles east of Arau.
Last known location over Guyanese territory
Reports are that the helicopter, carrying seven men, was last located over Guyanese territory, approximately 30 miles from the Venezuelan border.
The individuals aboard were identified by Khan as Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Lieutenant Andio Michael Crawford, Sergeant Jason Khan, Corporal Dwayne Jackson, and Colonel Michael Shahoud.
Experienced pilot and challenging conditions
Reports are that the helicopter, piloted by the veteran airman Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, with over 40 years of flying experience, was navigating through a mountainous and densely forested area under rainy and overcast conditions.
Possibilities of the ELT trigger
Khan mentioned that the activation of the ELT could be due to a crash landing or manually by the crew.
He remains hopeful for a positive outcome, highlighting the high caliber of the officers on board.
Extensive search and rescue efforts
The search and rescue mission is leveraging all available resources and seeking additional support from Guyana’s regional allies.
The area being searched is sparsely populated, posing challenges to the operation.
Decision to fly in adverse weather
When questioned by the media about the decision to fly in unfavorable weather, Khan expressed confidence in his officers’ judgment, suggesting that they would have carefully considered all factors before embarking on the flight
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