NSIB Confirms Crash Landing of Aircraft in Owerri

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has confirmed a crash landing involving a Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.

The bureau said the aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, encountered difficulties while flying from Kaduna to Port Harcourt on Tuesday night, prompting the crew to declare an emergency and divert to Owerri. The incident occurred around the approach area of Runway 17.

Four persons were on board at the time of the accident, and no deaths were recorded. Emergency services responded swiftly, and there was no post-crash fire, allowing airport operations to continue without disruption.

The NSIB has commenced recovery arrangements to enable a full investigation of the wreckage. Director-General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. expressed relief that all occupants survived and assured that findings would be made public as inquiries progress.