A light aircraft operated by Skypower Express on Tuesday evening crash-landed near the approach area of Runway 17 at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, after the crew reported an in-flight emergency.
The aircraft, a Cessna 172 bearing registration number 5N-ASR, was flying from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport before it diverted to Owerri as a result of the emergency.
The incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m., prompting an immediate activation of airport emergency response teams.
Authorities confirmed that four people were on board at the time of the crash and that no deaths or serious injuries were recorded.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said there was no post-impact fire and that normal flight operations at the airport were not affected, as aircraft movements continued after the incident.
The Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, said arrangements were being made to move the aircraft from the crash site for detailed inspection.
“Efforts are ongoing to recover the distressed aircraft from the crash site for a comprehensive wreckage examination,” she stated.
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The NSIB added that it had commenced investigation procedures in line with its statutory responsibilities and was working with airport authorities and security agencies to secure the area.
Reacting to the development, the Director-General of the bureau, Mr. Alex Badeh Jr., expressed relief that no lives were lost and extended sympathies to the airline.
“We sympathise with the management of Skypower Express and are thankful that no fatalities were recorded. Our investigators are already coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the site and carry out a thorough investigation,” he said.