The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into an aviation incident involving a Hawker 800XP aircraft at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
The aircraft, with registration number 5N-ISB and operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited, departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Sunday as a non-scheduled domestic passenger flight to Kano.
According to the NSIB, the aircraft took off from Abuja at about 9:20 a.m. with eight persons on board, comprising two cockpit crew members, one cabin crew member and five passengers.
During the approach into Kano, the flight crew reported an anomaly with the landing gear indication and requested several low passes over the runway to enable air traffic controllers visually confirm the status of the landing gear.
The bureau said Kano tower confirmed on each occasion that all three landing gears appeared fully extended.
The aircraft subsequently positioned for landing on Runway 06 and touched down at about 10:34 a.m. During the landing roll, however, the nose landing gear collapsed.
The Bureau in a statement by the Director,Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji said
all eight occupants disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported.
Following notification of the occurrence, the NSIB activated its Go-Team and deployed investigators to the scene. The Bureau said the investigation will focus on examining the aircraft systems, operational procedures, maintenance records and crew actions to determine the circumstances that led to the incident.
NSIB assured the public that the investigation is not intended to apportion blame or liability but to identify safety issues and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The Bureau said further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
