Aircraft Sumersaults at Owerri Airport, Four Rushed to Hospital
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed an accident involving a Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
In a statement on Tuesday, the bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, said all four occupants of the aircraft were hospitalised following the incident, with no fatalities recorded.
According to the NSIB, the aircraft, registered as 5N-ASR, was en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an in-flight emergency and diverted to Owerri.
The accident reportedly occurred around 8:00 pm during the aircraft’s approach to Runway 17, where it crash-landed and somersaulted. Airport emergency response services were immediately activated and responded promptly.
Oladeji noted that there was no post-crash fire and that flight operations were not disrupted, as the runway remained active with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident. Efforts are ongoing to evacuate the damaged aircraft for a detailed examination.
The Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the bureau had activated its investigation protocols and was coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the site, adding that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria had yet to comment on the incident at the time of filing this report.