In a dramatic incident earlier today, a private jet with about 10 individuals, including Very Important Personalities (VIPs), crash-landed at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The jet, registered as N580KR, reportedly overshot the runway, ending up in the nearby bush.
The incident occurred around 11 am, as the aircraft, originating from Abuja, attempted to land at the Ibadan airport. Fortunately, quick response measures were implemented, and the passengers and crew members were reported to have emerged unharmed. Firefighters and rescue officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) were swiftly dispatched to the scene to manage the situation.
Speaking on the incident, Carol Adekotujo, a spokesperson for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), provided assurance, stating, “It was a private plane from Abuja. It landed safely but overshot the runway. There was no casualty.” This immediate response and the absence of injuries underscore the effectiveness of safety protocols in place.
Furthermore, Tunji Oketunmbi, spokesperson for the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), confirmed the occurrence of the incident. He disclosed that an investigative team had been mobilized to the site to conduct a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the crash-landing.
This event follows a series of reported aviation incidents in recent times, raising concerns within the sector. Notably, in November 2023, the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, narrowly escaped tragedy along with 12 other passengers and flight crew. Their HS 125 aircraft, bearing nationality and registration marks 5N-AMM and operated by Flint Aero, crashed at the Ibadan airport. The aircraft, en route from Abuja, had been cleared for an RNAV approach to Runway 22 but skidded off the runway upon landing. Despite significant damage to the plane, all passengers and crew members were successfully evacuated without any fatalities.
The recurrence of aviation incidents emphasizes the need for continuous scrutiny of safety measures within the industry. The Nigerian aviation sector has implemented various protocols and regulations to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, yet these incidents prompt a reevaluation of existing procedures.
Key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, airport authorities, and aircraft operators, must collaborate closely to enhance safety standards and preventive measures. A comprehensive investigation into the recent crash-landing will shed light on any underlying issues and contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve aviation safety.
While the passengers involved in today’s incident were fortunate to escape unharmed, the aviation community must remain vigilant in identifying and addressing potential risks to avert more serious consequences in the future. The outcome of the investigation will likely lead to recommendations for further improvements in safety protocols and operational procedures within the Nigerian aviation sector.
