A Cessna 172 aircraft with nationality and registration mark 5N-ASR, operated by Skypower Express, crashed on Tuesday night on the approach area of the runway of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
The Nigerian Security Investigations Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the incident.
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According to the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the Nigerian Bureau of Security Investigations, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the plane was originally en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an emergency, necessitating a diversion to Owerri.
The plane later crashed in the approach area of Runway 17, with four people on board at the time of the crash, Oladeji said in a statement, adding that no casualties have been reported so far.
“Following the incident, the airport emergency services were successfully activated and immediately reached the site. Reports indicate that there was no fire following the accident, and the runway is active for flight operations, with other aircraft taking off safely following the incident.
“Efforts are currently underway to coordinate the recovery and evacuation of the distressed aircraft from the crash site so that a detailed investigation of the wreckage can occur,” he said.
Oladeji said NSIB has officially activated its protocols in line with its mandate.
Speaking on the accident, Alex Badeh, Director General of the Nigerian Security Investigations Bureau, said, “We express our deepest condolences to the management of the Skypower Express and are happy that no casualties have been reported so far. The NSIB has activated its protocols, and our team is already coordinating with the authorities to secure the site.”
