NSIB Confirms Aircraft Accident at Owerri Airport

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that a Cessna 172 aircraft experienced an accident Tuesday evening at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.

The aircraft, operated by Skypower Express and bearing registration marks 5N-ASR, was on a flight from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an emergency. This necessitated a diversion to Owerri, where the aircraft subsequently crashed in the approach area of Runway 17 at approximately 8:00 p.m. local time.

Initial reports indicate there were four persons on board. Authorities have confirmed that no fatalities occurred and that there was no post-crash fire. Airport emergency services responded immediately, and flight operations at the facility continued safely following the incident.

In an official statement, the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance for the NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, confirmed that efforts are underway to recover the aircraft from the crash site for a detailed wreckage examination. The bureau has activated its full investigation protocol in accordance with its mandate.

NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed sympathy to Skypower Express while welcoming the preliminary outcome. “We express our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are glad that no fatalities have been reported so far,” he stated. “Our team is coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the site and commence a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this accident.”