The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) on Tuesday confirmed an incident involving a Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.
The confirmation was contained in a statement issued by the bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji.
According to the statement, all four persons on board the aircraft were taken to hospital after the accident.
NSIB officials explained that the aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, was travelling from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an in-flight emergency and diverted to Owerri.
As of the time this report was filed, neither the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) nor the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had issued an official response. Calls and text messages sent to their spokespersons, Michael Achimugu and Henry Agbebire, respectively, were not returned.
Sources at the airport confirmed that the occupants were evacuated to a medical facility, although their condition could not be independently verified. An airport employee, who requested anonymity, said the victims were “taken to the hospital,” but could not provide further details.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 8:00 pm on Tuesday during the aircraft’s approach to Runway 17, when it crash-landed and overturned.
NSIB stated that four people were on board at the time, and no deaths were recorded.
“Emergency response teams at the airport were immediately deployed and arrived at the scene without delay. There was no post-impact fire, and flight operations were not affected, as the runway remained open with other aircraft continuing normal operations,” Oladeji said.
She added that recovery efforts were underway to remove the damaged aircraft from the site to allow for a thorough investigation of the wreckage.
In the same statement, NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the bureau had commenced a full investigation in line with its statutory responsibilities.
“We sympathise with the management of Skypower Express and are thankful that there were no fatalities. The NSIB has activated its investigation procedures, and our team is working closely with relevant agencies to secure the accident site,” he said.
Captain Badeh Jr. noted that additional details would be made public as the investigation continues.
