A Cessna single-engine aircraft operated by Air Services Limited (ASL) has gone missing after departing Mahdia in Region Eight on Friday morning, triggering an urgent multi-agency search and rescue operation. Authorities have since confirmed that the crash site has been located deep within a heavily forested area in the region’s interior.
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed the incident, with Director General Captain Egbert Field stating that contact was lost with the aircraft — bearing registration number 8R-YAC — while it was en route from Mahdia to Imbaimadai. Communication with the aircraft was last established in the vicinity of Mahdia before it disappeared mid-flight.
The pilot has been identified as Captain Ryder Castello, a Nicaraguan national with approximately two decades of flying experience, including around ten years with ASL. He was the only person on board at the time of the incident.
Following the discovery of the crash site, search and rescue teams have now concentrated their efforts at the location as they continue to search for Captain Castello. The Guyana Defence Force and multiple other agencies have been mobilised to assist in the operation.
Captain Field has urged all pilots operating in the region to remain vigilant, monitor emergency frequencies, and report any unusual sightings.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.
