Dare Babalola
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has confirmed a crash landing accident involving a Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.
In a statement released by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the bureau said the aircraft with registration number 5N ASR was involved in the incident at about 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
She explained that the aircraft was en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport before the crew declared an emergency and diverted to Owerri, where it crashed in the approach area of Runway 17.
According to the NSIB, there were four persons on board the aircraft at the time of the accident, and no fatalities have been reported so far.
Airport emergency services were immediately activated and responded promptly to the scene.
The Bureau noted that there was no post-crash fire, while the runway remained operational, with other aircraft able to take off safely after the incident.
“Airport emergency response services were immediately activated and arrived at the scene promptly.
“Officials confirmed that there was no post-crash fire, and flight operations at the airport were not disrupted, as the runway remained active with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident,” Oladeji said.
The NSIB said arrangements are ongoing to recover and evacuate the aircraft from the crash site to enable a detailed examination of the wreckage.
Speaking on the development, the Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr, expressed sympathy to the management of Skypower Express and appreciation that no lives were lost.
He added that the Bureau has activated its investigation protocols and is working with relevant authorities to secure the site.
The NSIB assured the public that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
