The Skypower Express aircraft that crashed at Owerri Airport
By Emeka Ugochukwu
Four people escaped death when a Cessna 172 aircraft, with nationality and registration marks 5N-ASR, operated by Skypower Express on Tuesday night crashed in the approach area of Runway of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched investigation into the incident.
According to Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the director, public affairs and family assistance, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, the aircraft was originally en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an emergency, necessitating a diversion to Owerri.
Oladeji in a statement said the aircraft subsequently crashed in the approach area of Runway 17 with four people on board at the time of the accident, with no fatalities reported so far.
“Following the occurrence, airport emergency services were successfully activated and arrived on site promptly.
Reports indicate that there was no post-crash fire, and the runway remains active for flight operations, with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident.
“Efforts are currently underway to coordinate the recovery and evacuation of the distressed aircraft from the crash site to allow for a detailed wreckage examination,” she said.
Oladeji added that the NSIB has officially activated its protocols in accordance with its mandate.
Speaking on the accident, Alex Badeh, the director general of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, stated, “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.”
