Gov’t suspends all Antonov An-26s planes after propellers fall off midair

JUBA – South Sudan government has suspended operation of Antonov An-26s, a day after propellers fall off one of the planes flying from Juba to Upper Nile state’s Paloich oilfields on Thursday afternoon, according to the Director of Juba International Airport.

On Thursday, an Antonov AN-26 cargo plane made an emergency landing at Juba airport after one of its propellers fall midair at Cue-keer Payam, East of Bor County in Jonglei State almost hitting road workers.

According to Kur Kuol, the plane was heading to Paloich oilfields in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state when it made u-tune to return to Juba after the propeller fall off while it was already in the air adding that the CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority has ordered for grounding of all Antonov planes in the country.

“I issued that order after the incident of that Antonov propeller which is said to have fallen off. They have to cease operation until further investigation is done,” David Subek said, according to the Eye Radio.