A routine training flight ended in a serious incident on Thursday evening when a training aircraft crash-landed at the Ilorin International Airport, resulting in significant injuries to both individuals on board.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident in a statement issued Friday by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji. According to the NSIB, the crash occurred at approximately 5:28 p.m. local time on May 23, 2025.
The aircraft was carrying out a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 when it veered off the runway and came to a stop on the grassy perimeter of the airfield.
"Both occupants of the aircraft sustained serious injuries and were immediately evacuated to a medical facility," Oladeji said, noting that the swift response was coordinated by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). While the specific nature of their injuries has not yet been made public, authorities confirmed that emergency responders acted promptly to stabilize the victims.
In response to the crash, the NSIB has activated its emergency response protocol. A team of investigators, known as the Go-Team, is en route from Abuja to Ilorin to commence a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“The investigation team will secure the crash site, gather physical evidence, interview witnesses, and recover operational data from the aircraft to determine the root cause and contributing factors,” Oladeji explained.
NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., emphasized the bureau's commitment to aviation safety. “Our thoughts are with the injured individuals, and we commend the rapid medical and emergency response teams for their professionalism,” he said. “Our priority now is to uncover what led to this incident. Every investigation presents a valuable opportunity to enhance safety and prevent future occurrences.”
As of the time of this report, details about the aircraft’s make, registration, and the training organization involved have not been disclosed. The NSIB has urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow the investigation to proceed unhindered.
Post a Comment