The A320neo, owned by TAP, was on a scheduled flight TP1492 from Lisbon. After four hours of regular flight, he landed in the capital of Guinea, Conakry, and during landing he collided with a motorcycle, which at that time was passing along the runway. A security guard and an airport employee on a motorcycle were killed.
Portuguese flag carrier said it was “deeply sorry” on the incident last Friday and expressed his “sincere condolences” to the families and friends of the victims.
Photos posted on social media show the wreckage of a motorcycle after the — he was dragged down the runway by one of the aircraft's engines.
When the plane touched the runway at 250 km/h, the motorcycle suddenly crossed its path and was sucked into the right engine. Both driver and passenger died immediately.
The Guinean Civil Aviation Authority launched an investigation into the tragic accident. The airport confirmed that the passenger was a security guard tasked with securing the perimeter of the airport.
“An investigation by the Guinean Civil Aviation Authority (AGAC) with the support of the Department of Security and Protection (SOGEAC) is being conducted to determine the reasons and responsibility of the parties involved”, — The airport said in a statement.
A TAP spokesman confirmed: “All safety procedures were followed, but the collision was still unavoidable. TAP is cooperating with local authorities in investigating the circumstances that led to this unfortunate situation.”