Aircraft Cr*shes at Owerri Airport, Four Occupants Hospitalised (Pictures)

A Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express has been involved in an accident at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, according to confirmation from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

According to a statement issued by the NSIB's Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, the aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, was flying from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an in-flight emergency and diverted to Owerri.

All four occupants of the aircraft were hospitalised following the incident. The NSIB stated that emergency response services were immediately activated, and officials confirmed there was no post-crash fire. Flight operations at the airport were not disrupted, and other aircraft took off safely after the incident.

The Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the bureau had activated its investigation protocols and expressed sympathies to the management of Skypower Express. He assured that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.

The accident occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday as the aircraft approached Runway 17, where it crash-landed and somersaulted. Recovery efforts are underway to remove the damaged aircraft from the site for a detailed examination.

See picures from the accident after the below.......................