Aviation authority says pilot likely died instantly in crash

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said on Monday that pilot Captain Rider Castillo is believed to have died instantly in the aircraft accident, according to a preliminary assessment based on the condition and position of his remains at the crash site.

The authority said Castillo’s body was located at the crash site in an advanced state of decomposition.
The site, it noted situated on a steep, sloping ridge, has significantly hampered recovery efforts, with a Special Forces team conducting a detailed on-site assessment to enable the safe extraction of the remains.

The authority said recovery operations are expected to continue at first light on Tuesday, with efforts focused on transporting the body to Imbaimadai, subject to terrain and safety conditions.

Several personal items, including documents and effects, were recovered from the scene and will assist in the ongoing investigation, the GCAA added.

It extended condolences to the pilot’s family and requested privacy for them during their period of mourning.
The Guyana Defence Force and supporting agencies are continuing recovery operations under extremely challenging conditions, officials said.