The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed an aircraft accident involving a Cessna 172 operated by Skypower Express at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
The incident was disclosed in a statement issued late Tuesday night and signed by the Bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji.
According to the statement, the aircraft declared an in-flight emergency, made a crash landing at the Owerri airport and subsequently somersaulted on the runway.
All four occupants on board were immediately taken to hospital for medical attention. As of press time, details of their condition had not been made public. The NSIB, however, confirmed that no fatalities were recorded.
The aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, was en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an emergency and diverted to Owerri.
Oladeji said airport emergency response services were promptly activated and arrived at the scene, adding that there was no post-crash fire. She noted that flight operations at the airport were not disrupted, as the runway remained operational and other aircraft were able to take off safely after the incident.
She added that arrangements were underway to recover and evacuate the damaged aircraft from the runway to enable a detailed examination of the wreckage.
The Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the Bureau had commenced an investigation in line with its statutory mandate.
“We express our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are relieved that no fatalities have been reported so far. The NSIB has activated its protocols, and our team is already coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the site,” he said.
