Light airplane on test flight with two souls onboard crashes in Lagos

• NSIB begins probe, ex-Minister reacts

The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) on Tuesday said it had commenced an investigation into an accident involving a Jabiru J430, a light single airplane with nationality and registration Marks 5N-CCQ operated by Air First Hospitality & Tours.

The aircraft is said to have about four-hour fuel endurance. It dropped from about 1500ft sea level and it was less than one nautical mile away from runway L18 of Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos.

The crash occurred around 3 pm on Tuesday. The aircraft was on a test flight within Lagos with two passengers onboard before it crashed around the Oba Akran area of Lagos State with no fatalities.

A statement from NSIB spokesman, Tunji Oketunbi said the aircraft was on a test flight within Lagos with two passengers onboard before it crashed around the Oba Akran area of Lagos State with no fatalities.

According to Oketunbi, “The aircraft caught fire on impact but the spread was contained by the rainfall at the time of impact. The two souls on board were taken to the hospital.”

The NSIB solicited information from the general public in the form of pictures, video, or recording evidence to assist in conducting a comprehensive investigation, stressing that the agency could be reached through info@aib.gov.ng and NSIB Nigeria on its social media platforms. The Bureau can also be reached on its emergency line +234-807-709-0909.

“The NSIB is a multimodal investigation agency charged with the mandate to investigate transportation accidents and serious incidents in Nigeria with the aim of identifying the probable causes and proffer safety recommendations that can prevent reoccurrence.

Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika who reacted via his official Twitter handle; @hadisirika stated: “Occupants of helicopter 5N CCQ are reported to be stable, thank God. May God continue to keep us safe, and may the outcome of the investigation help to prevent future occurrences. In aircraft accidents, public cooperation is required to secure the site, for the integrity of the investigation.”

Also reacting,  the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) via its Twitter handle @ nemanigeria posted: “Fixed-wing Aircraft  Reg 5NCCQ Airfirst Hospitality and Tour Ltd crashed near Lagos Airport.

“Following the incident, NEMA, LASEMA, Fire Service, security agencies, and other stakeholders carried out search and rescue operation.  Two crew members and two passengers rescued.”

Wole Shadare