The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that a Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express was involved in an accident at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, on Tuesday night.
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The disclosure was made in a statement signed by the bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji. 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 reported an in-flight emergency and diverted to Owerri.
All four persons on board were taken to hospital after the incident, although their condition could not be immediately confirmed. An airport employee, who requested anonymity, said the occupants “appeared to have been taken to the hospital.
The accident occurred around 8 p.m. while the aircraft was approaching Runway 17. It reportedly landed hard and somersaulted, but no fatalities were recorded.
Emergency responders arrived promptly, no fire outbreak occurred, and flight operations at the airport continued. Mrs Oladeji added that arrangements were underway to remove the damaged aircraft to allow for a detailed investigation.
NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the bureau had activated its investigation procedures and was coordinating with relevant agencies to secure the accident site. Neither the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority nor the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria had issued an official statement at the time of reporting.
