Aircraft somersaults at Imo Airport, four people hospitalised
An Owerri airport aircraft accident on Tuesday night caused panic after a light aircraft crash-landed and somersaulted at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Imo State.
The Owerri airport aircraft accident involved a Cessna 172 operated by Skypower Express, with all four occupants rushed to hospital and no deaths recorded.
Emergency landing sparks swift response
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau confirmed the Owerri airport aircraft accident in a statement released by its Director of Public Affairs, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji.
She said the aircraft, registered as 5N-ASR, was travelling from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport before trouble developed mid-air.
According to the bureau, the Owerri airport aircraft accident followed an in-flight emergency declared by the crew, forcing an unscheduled diversion to Owerri.
The aircraft reportedly crash-landed around 8:00 pm while approaching Runway 17, before somersaulting on the runway.
Airport emergency teams were immediately activated after the Owerri airport aircraft accident and responded promptly to secure the scene.
Mrs Oladeji explained that there was no post-crash fire and airport operations were not disrupted by the incident.
She added that other aircraft continued normal operations, even after the Owerri airport aircraft accident, as the runway remained functional.
Efforts are currently underway to evacuate the damaged aircraft for further technical examination.
Investigation underway
NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the bureau had activated full investigation procedures into the Owerri airport aircraft accident.
He noted that investigators were working with relevant authorities to secure the site and preserve critical evidence.
Captain Badeh Jr. assured that more updates would be released as findings from the Owerri airport aircraft accident investigation emerge.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria had not issued statements at the time of filing this report.
