The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has activated a full-scale investigation following the crash of a Skypower Express Cessna 172 aircraft at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
The aircraft, registered 5N-ASR, was diverted to Owerri after the crew declared an emergency while en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt on Tuesday night.
According to the NSIB, the accident occurred around 8:00 p.m. during approach to Runway 17.
Four persons were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident, with no fatalities recorded.
NSIB said emergency response units at the airport were promptly activated, preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. There was no post-crash fire, and airport operations continued uninterrupted, with the runway remaining open for flight movements.
The Bureau said arrangements were underway to recover the aircraft from the crash site to allow investigators conduct a detailed wreckage examination aimed at determining the cause of the accident.
Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh, said the Bureau had deployed its investigative protocols in line with international standards and would work with relevant stakeholders to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
He assured the public that findings and safety recommendations would be communicated as the investigation progresses.
