By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, has on October 15, 2024 announced the conclusion of investigations regarding the unauthorized landing of a fourteen-seater aircraft at Freetown International Airport (FNA) on September 20, 2024.
Upon the aircraft’s unsanctioned arrival, airport and security authorities promptly mobilized, seizing the aircraft and launching a thorough investigation. Four individuals were found on board, including the captain, with three identified as Mexican nationals and one as a Spanish passport holder. All four were subsequently taken to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for further questioning. In addition, two air traffic controllers were also detained to aid the investigation.
Extensive police investigations, including rigorous searches and swabs conducted by both local and international investigators, yielded no items of police interest aboard the aircraft. As a result, the Director of Public Prosecutions has made several recommendations regarding the case.
The recommendations include civil charges against the crew members for multiple violations of the Civil Aviation Act of 2023. Specific offenses cited include:
– Operating an aircraft without a personnel certificate.
– Flying without an Air Operating Certificate.
– Unauthorized operation of an aircraft within Sierra Leonean airspace.
The Director proposed a penalty of $100,000 (One Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) for each crew member, to be paid before their release and the return of the aircraft. Following the recommendations, the crew’s legal representatives settled the fine on October 14, 2024.
Additionally, authorities stated that there was insufficient evidence to charge the two air traffic controllers, who have since been released. The matter is now considered closed, with the aircraft no longer in police custody.
