FOUR people narrowly escaped death yesterday evening after a Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express made an emergency crash-landing at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.
According to a statement issued by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the incident occurred at about 6:58 p.m. while the aircraft was approaching Runway 17.
The aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, was flying from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport before the crew declared an emergency and diverted to Owerri.
Following the distress call, airport police patrol units, working alongside emergency response teams, were promptly deployed to the scene and successfully rescued all occupants on board.
The NSIB confirmed that no post-crash fire was recorded and that emergency services responded swiftly.
Flight operations at the airport were not affected, as the runway remained open and operational after the incident.
All four survivors were identified as crew members. Two were said to be in stable condition, while the remaining two, who were initially unconscious, were immediately taken to a hospital, where they are currently receiving medical care.
The NSIB disclosed that a formal investigation has commenced in line with its mandate, assuring the public that updates will be provided as more details emerge.
Arrangements are also underway to recover and evacuate the aircraft from the crash site to allow for a comprehensive wreckage examination.
The statement also revealed that the Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., also expressed sympathy to the airline and relief that no lives were lost in the incident.