BREAKING: Aircraft Somersaults at Owerri Airport

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 confirmation was contained in a statement issued late Tuesday night and signed by the Bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji.

According to the statement, the aircraft declared an in-flight emergency, crash-landed at the airport, and subsequently somersaulted on the runway.

All four occupants on board the aircraft were immediately hospitalised following the incident, although details of their medical condition were not available as of press time.

NSIB officials disclosed that 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.

The Bureau confirmed that four persons were on board at the time of the accident, adding that no fatalities were recorded.

“Airport emergency response services were immediately activated and arrived at the scene promptly. Officials confirmed that there was no post-crash fire, and flight operations at the airport were not disrupted, as the runway remained active with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident,” Oladeji said.

She further stated that arrangements were underway to recover and evacuate the damaged aircraft from the crash site to allow for a detailed examination of the wreckage.

In the statement, the Director-General of the NSIB, Alex Badeh , said the Bureau had commenced its 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.