The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has confirmed that a Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express was involved i an accident on Tuesday night at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.
The confirmation was contained in a statement issued by the Bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji.
According to the NSIB, the aircraft declared an in-flight emergency before crash-landing and subsequently somersaulting on the runway.
It was learnt that all four occupants on board were taken to the hospital for medical attention after the incident. However, details of their condition were not available as of press time.
NSIB officials explained that the aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, was en route to Port Harcourt International Airport from Kaduna International Airport when the crew reported an in-flight emergency and diverted to Owerri.
The Bureau confirmed that there were four people on board and that no lives were lost in the accident.
“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.
She noted that arrangements were underway to recover and evacuate the damaged aircraft from the crash site to allow investigators to conduct a thorough examination of the wreckage.
In the statement, the Director-General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the agency had commenced its investigation in line with its statutory responsibilities.
“We express our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are relieved that no fatalities have been reported so far. The NSIB has activated its protocols, and our team is already coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the site,” he said.
