BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed an aircraft accident involving a Skypower Express Cessna 172 at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, with all four occupants surviving the incident.
The aircraft, bearing nationality and registration marks 5N-ASR, was originally en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an in-flight emergency.
The situation prompted a diversion to Owerri. At about 8:00pm local time on Tuesday, the aircraft crashed in the approach area of Runway 17 while attempting to land.
According to the NSIB, there were four persons on board the aircraft at the time of the accident. No fatalities have been reported so far.
Airport emergency response units were immediately activated following the crash and arrived at the scene promptly.
Officials confirmed that there was no post-crash fire, and the runway remained operational, with other aircraft able to take off safely after the incident.
Arrangements are currently underway to recover and evacuate the distressed aircraft from the crash site to enable a detailed examination of the wreckage.
The NSIB has since activated its investigation protocols in line with its statutory mandate to determine the circumstances and probable cause of the accident.
Commenting on the development, the Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said: “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 added that further information would be released as the investigation progresses.
The Bureau assured the public that it would conduct a thorough and independent investigation, with safety recommendations to be issued where necessary to prevent a recurrence.
The update was signed by Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
