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.
The incident occurred Tuesday night after the aircraft declared an in-flight emergency, crash-landed, and subsequently summersaulted.
According to a statement signed by NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, all four occupants of the aircraft were hospitalised following the crash.
Their health status was not immediately available at press time, but officials confirmed that no fatalities had been recorded.
The aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, was en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew diverted to Owerri after declaring an emergency.
Emergency Response and Investigation Protocols
Oladeji noted that airport emergency services were promptly activated, arriving at the scene without delay.
She confirmed there was no post-crash fire and that flight operations at the airport continued uninterrupted, with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident.
Efforts are ongoing to recover and evacuate the damaged aircraft for a detailed examination of the wreckage. NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed relief that no lives were lost and extended sympathies to Skypower Express.
“The NSIB has activated its protocols, and our team is already coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the site,” he said.
The Bureau has launched a full investigation in line with its mandate, aiming to determine the cause of the accident and prevent future occurrences.
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