The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into an accident involving a Skypower Express Cessna 172 aircraft that crash-landed at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, on Tuesday night.
The aircraft, with registration 5N-ASR, was en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an emergency and diverted to Owerri. The incident occurred at about 8:00pm local time during the aircraft’s approach to Runway 17.
According to the NSIB, four persons were on board, and no fatalities were recorded.
Emergency services at the airport were immediately activated and responded promptly. There was no post-crash fire, and flight operations at the airport were not disrupted, with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident.
Efforts are ongoing to recover and evacuate the distressed aircraft from the crash site to enable a detailed examination of the wreckage.
Confirming the development, NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the Bureau had activated its investigation protocols in line with its mandate.
“We express our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are glad that no fatalities have been reported so far. The NSIB has activated its protocols, and our team is already coordinating with authorities to secure the site,” he said.
The NSIB added that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
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