December 16, (THEWILL) — A Skypower Express aircraft, a Cessna 172, crashed on Tuesday evening at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that it has been notified of the accident involving the aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-ASR.
The incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. local time in the approach area of Runway 17 at the Owerri airport.
THEWILL gathered that the aircraft was en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an emergency, prompting a diversion to Owerri.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the NSIB disclosed that the aircraft subsequently crashed during the approach.
There were four persons on board at the time of the incident, with no fatalities recorded.
Following the crash, airport emergency services were immediately activated and responded promptly to the scene.
Reports indicate that there was no post-crash fire, and flight operations at the airport were not disrupted, as the runway remained open with other aircraft taking off safely.
The Bureau said arrangements are currently underway to recover and evacuate the aircraft from the crash site to enable a detailed wreckage examination. It added that its investigation protocols have been fully activated in line with its statutory mandate.
Commenting on the incident, the Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said, “We express our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are relieved that no fatalities have been reported.
The NSIB has activated its protocols, and our team is already working with relevant authorities to secure the site. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
