A Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express crashed on Tuesday evening at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, according to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
The aircraft, with nationality and registration marks 5N-ASR, as learnt, was originally headed to Port-Harcourt from Kaduna when the crew declared an emergency, forcing a diversion to Owerri.
According to the NSIB, the aircraft crashed in the approach area of Runway 17 around 8:00 p.m. local time.
Four persons were reportedly on board the aircraft, but no fatality was recorded.
The NSIB said that there was no post-crash fire, and flight operations at the airport continued safely, with other aircraft taking off after the incident.
A statement signed by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, said: “Efforts are ongoing to recover the distressed aircraft from the crash site for a detailed wreckage examination.”
The NSIB noted that it had activated its protocols in line with its mandate.
Director-General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. expressed sympathy to Skypower Express while welcoming the absence of casualties.
“We express our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are glad that no fatalities have been reported so far. Our team is coordinating with authorities to secure the site,” he said.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
