Lira, Uganda — A routine landing turned into a near disaster today, 11th November, 2024.
Narrow escape at Lira Airfield, plane’s brake failure highlights critical safety risks when a it‘s brakes failed, sending it hurtling dangerously close to nearby buildings.
The incident, which unfolded around midday, has highlighted pressing safety concerns and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of regulations around the airfield.
Eyewitness Opeto Ivan, a local business operator at Timber Yard, described the tense moment the pilot struggled to control the plane as it neared the ground.
“The aircraft came in fast, and it was clear the pilot had difficulty stopping,” Ivan reported.
Another witness, Caroline, suggested that sunlight reflecting off the iron sheets of Timber Yard’s structures may have impaired the pilot’s visibility, potentially contributing to the near-miss.
The plane ultimately stopped in a patch of tall grass just behind the Timber Yard on the airfield’s western edge, coming to rest after grazing one of the buildings.
There were no injuries, and the damage to property was minimal.
Today’s incident has reignited concerns around Lira Airfield, where the Civil Aviation Authority has repeatedly cautioned against business operations and construction close to the airfield due to potential hazards.
Despite these warnings, several buildings, including Timber Yard, continue to operate near the airfield, posing ongoing risks.
Otim Isaac, a concerned resident of Railway Ward, voiced the community’s apprehensions, urging immediate action from local leaders.
“It’s time for Mayor Sam Atul of Lira City Council to relocate the businesses at Timber Yard to a safer location, we can’t risk lives for the sake of convenience,” Isaac said, underscoring the potential for similar incidents in the future if preventive measures aren’t taken.
Details about the aircraft, its pilot, and its origin remain unknown, with officials from the Civil Aviation Authority and Lira Airfield Authority yet to release a statement.
Today’s close call at Lira Airfield serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining safe perimeters around airports.
STATEMENT ON CRASH LANDING OF UPDF AIRFORCE AIR CRAFT
Today, November 11, 2024, at approximately 12:45 hours, Air craft No. AF 271, of the UPDF Airforce Nakasongola Air Force College experienced a crash landing at Lira Airfield. unfavourable weather conditions and strong winds in Lira forced the pilot trainee to divert to the nearby airfield.
Upon arrival, the heavy winds persisted, prompting Pilot trainee to opt for a controlled crash landing with no significant damage to the aircraft or injuries.
The Regional Police Commander led a team of officers, including fire brigade and rescue teams, traffic personnel, and senior officials, to respond to the incident
A technical team from the UPDF AirForce training wing in Nakasongola arrived at Lira Airfield in another aircraft to investigate the incident and assess the damage.
The aircraft was later evacuated back to Nakasongola.
SP OKEMA PATRICK JIMMY
PRO-NORTH KYOGA REGION
