The Government of Sierra Leone has provided updates on the 14-seater aircraft which made an unauthorized landing at Freetown International Airport (FNA) on Friday 19 September 2024.
The aircraft, which was reportedly flying from Liberia to Mexico, carried four individuals: three Mexican nationals and one Spanish passport holder, including the captain.
The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), in collaboration with security forces and the Office of National Security (ONS), quickly launched investigations into the incident.
According to initial reports, the aircraft did not depart from any recognized airfield in Liberia, did not have a landing permit, and failed to make contact with FNA’s Air Traffic Control before landing.
“The fact that the aircraft was flying under a fake registration number is concerning. Parts of the number were apparently scratched off,” said an official close to the investigation.
Although the crew claimed they experienced radio failure, a technical inspection contradicted this, confirming that the radio equipment was functioning properly. Moreover, the crew refused to hand over their documents to local authorities.
“Despite multiple requests from our officials, the crew members were uncooperative,” stated a security official.
One of the most surprising revelations came from the flight captain. Although he initially claimed he could not speak English, he later conversed in English and admitted he had been paid $20,000 to make the trip from Liberia to Mexico.
Following a thorough search of the aircraft, no suspicious items were discovered. All four individuals on board have been handed over to the Sierra Leone Police for further questioning. In addition, two air traffic controllers are also under investigation, bringing the total number of those being questioned to six.
“We have taken all necessary precautions. The aircraft is now secured by police and army personnel, and the keys have been handed over to the ONS,” said an airport security officer.
The SLCAA is in the process of preparing a detailed technical report, and more information is expected in the coming days.
“We want to reassure the public that Sierra Leone’s airspace and Freetown International Airport remain safe for normal operations,” an SLCAA spokesperson added.
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education has pledged to keep the public updated as investigations unfold.
