NSIB confirms emergency landing involving Skypower Express Cessna 172, investigation underway
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed a crash landing involving a Cessna 172 chartered aircraft operated by Skypower Express at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
The aircraft, which was en route to the Port Harcourt International Airport from Kaduna International Airport, made an emergency diversion and crash-landed at the Owerri airport. All four occupants on board survived, with no fatalities recorded.
The confirmation was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, Bimbo Oladeji.
According to the Bureau, the aircraft declared an emergency mid-flight, prompting an unscheduled diversion to Owerri, where it subsequently crash-landed near the approach area of Runway 17.
Emergency response activated
Oladeji said emergency response teams were immediately mobilised following the distress alert.
“Upon receipt of the emergency signal, airport police patrol units, in collaboration with airport emergency response teams, were swiftly deployed to the scene and all occupants were rescued,” the statement said.
He confirmed that all four persons on board were crew members. Two were reported to be in stable condition, while the remaining two, who were initially unconscious, were promptly evacuated to a hospital, where they are currently receiving medical care.
“There were four people on board at the time of the accident, with no fatalities reported,” Oladeji added.
The NSIB spokesperson noted that no post-crash fire occurred, and flight operations at the airport were not disrupted, as the runway remained open and other aircraft continued operations safely.
Investigation underway
The Bureau said a formal investigation has commenced in line with its statutory responsibilities, while efforts are ongoing to recover and evacuate the aircraft from the crash site for detailed examination.
“The Director-General of the Bureau, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., has expressed his deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and is thankful that no lives were lost,” the statement said.
“The NSIB has activated its protocols, and our investigation team is already coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the site.”
Related incident
In a related development earlier this month, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft reportedly crashed near Karabonde, a settlement in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Confirming the incident, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft was on a scheduled inspection flight when it encountered an emergency.
He explained that the pilots demonstrated professionalism by steering the aircraft away from populated areas before executing a safe ejection, in line with international aviation safety standards. Both pilots sustained injuries but survived the incident.
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