Aircraft Somersaults at Owerri Airport

An aircraft operated by Skypower Express has been involved in an accident at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident in a statement issued late Tuesday night by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji.

According to the statement, the aircraft, a Cessna 172, declared an in-flight emergency before making a crash landing at the Owerri airport, after which it somersaulted on the runway.

All four persons on board were promptly taken to a hospital for medical care. As at press time, their medical condition had not been disclosed. The NSIB, however, confirmed that there were no fatalities.

The aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, was flying from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an emergency and diverted to Owerri.

Mrs. Oladeji stated that emergency response teams at the airport were immediately activated and arrived at the scene without delay, noting that there was no post-crash fire. She added that flight operations were not affected, as the runway remained open and other aircraft were able to take off safely after the incident.

She further disclosed that arrangements were being made to recover and remove the damaged aircraft from the runway to allow for a thorough examination of the wreckage.

The Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the Bureau had begun an investigation in line with its statutory responsibilities.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are relieved that no lives were lost. The NSIB has activated its standard procedures, and our team is already working with relevant authorities to secure the accident site,” he said.