BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated a formal probe into the crash-landing of a Diamond training aircraft belonging to the Aviation Training School, Ilorin.
The incident occurred at approximately 17:28 local time on May 23, 2025, during a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 at Ilorin International Airport.
This was disclosed in a statement by Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB.
According to her, preliminary information suggests that the aircraft veered off the runway and came to a halt on the grass verge. Both occupants on board sustained serious injuries and were promptly evacuated to a medical facility.
The emergency response was effectively coordinated by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
In line with its investigative protocols, the NSIB has dispatched a Go-Team from its headquarters in Abuja to the crash site in Ilorin.
The team will conduct a thorough on-site examination, which includes securing the wreckage, gathering physical and digital evidence, interviewing witnesses, and retrieving flight data—all aimed at determining the root cause and contributing factors of the incident.
Commenting on the development, NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., stated:
“Our thoughts are with the injured, and we commend the swift medical and emergency response. Now, our focus is on understanding exactly what went wrong. Every investigation is an opportunity to improve safety. We are deploying our team to Ilorin to ensure that no detail is overlooked.”
The NSIB has urged the public and media to refrain from speculation and to rely solely on information released through official channels.
The Bureau reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a transparent, independent, and professional investigation in the interest of enhancing aviation safety across Nigeria.
The statement noted that further details will be shared as the investigation unfolds.
