Liberian President Joseph Boakai's Private Jet Involved in Terrifying

Landing Scare at Roberts International Airport
A private jet carrying Liberian President Joseph Boakai and his entourage was involved in a serious landing scare at Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Liberia on Thursday night, May 29, 2025. The incident, which caused temporary panic and led to the cancellation of all remaining flights for the night, occurred as the presidential delegation was returning from Nigeria, where President Boakai had attended the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Although no injuries were reported and President Boakai was safely evacuated, the "near-accident" has raised significant concerns about aviation safety and maintenance in the region.
According to statements from the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), the incident was caused by a malfunction in a part of the aircraft's landing gear, which resulted in a rough touchdown. Crucially, one of the jet's tires reportedly burst upon impact with the runway, causing the aircraft to become immobilized in the middle of the main runway. This sudden halt sent shockwaves through those on board and at the airport, transforming a routine landing into a moment of acute alarm. Photos of the stalled jet on the runway quickly circulated on social media, fueling public concern and a demand for answers regarding the safety of the President and air travel in Liberia.
Emergency crews were immediately dispatched to the scene following the incident, and airport officials moved swiftly to implement emergency protocols. The presence of the disabled aircraft on the runway necessitated the immediate suspension of all scheduled flights for the remainder of the night, causing disruptions for other travelers and airlines. The LAA later confirmed the "unfortunate near-accident situation" and stated that a full investigation has been launched to determine the precise cause of the technical failure.
While initial reports and some local media suggested that poor runway conditions might have contributed to the incident, the Liberia Airport Authority has been quick to dispel these rumors. In their official statements, the LAA firmly asserted that the airport's runway infrastructure "remains fully compliant with international aviation safety standards." They reiterated that the cause of the incident was "purely mechanical, involving the aircraft's tire," thereby shifting the focus of the investigation towards the maintenance and airworthiness of the private jet itself. The LAA emphasized that the safety, efficiency, and transparency of their airport operations remain their top priorities and that normal airport operations resumed after the aircraft was successfully cleared from the runway.
Reports from local media, including FrontPage Africa, have provided additional details about the aircraft involved. The private jet is identified as a 36-year-old Gulfstream IV (G4) private jet, a 1989 model that was reportedly rented from a Nigerian source. Disturbingly, some sources, including an anonymous aviation expert, have suggested that the plane may have landed without a flight engineer on board, a potentially serious omission for an older aircraft. Witnesses described seeing a cloud of smoke billowing from the aircraft after the tires blew upon impact, with some initially believing the aircraft had crashed due to the intensity of the smoke. The aviation expert also speculated that the pilot might have failed to notice excessively worn landing gear tires.
Despite the dramatic nature of the event, President Joseph Boakai and his entire entourage were safely evacuated from the aircraft. The President's motorcade swiftly disembarked him from the plane, while other members of his delegation were transported from the runway using an airport shuttle. Although visibly calm upon his arrival at the airport terminal, President Boakai did not address the emergency landing when he briefly spoke to journalists, maintaining a composed demeanor amidst the unfolding situation. As of Friday morning, the aircraft had been removed from the runway, and normal flight operations had resumed at Roberts International Airport.
The incident, though thankfully without casualties, has reignited discussions among Liberians about aircraft safety, VIP travel protocols, and the general state of aviation oversight in the country. It underscores the critical importance of rigorous aircraft maintenance and comprehensive emergency preparedness, particularly for flights carrying heads of state. As the investigation proceeds, the public will be closely watching for further information to determine the exact cause of the malfunction and to ensure measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Liberian presidency has yet to issue an official public statement regarding the scare, but the LAA has pledged to keep the public informed as the investigation unfolds.
Source@BBC