A light Cessna 172 aircraft, operated by Skypower Express Airways and registered as 5N-ASR, was involved in a harrowing crash near the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Imo State following an in-flight emergency.
In what authorities are describing as a miraculous outcome, all four individuals on board the small aircraft survived the dramatic incident.
The single-engine plane was midway through its journey from Kaduna to Port Harcourt when its pilots declared an undisclosed in-flight emergency.
The decision was made to divert to the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, a critical manoeuvre initiated to prioritize the safety of the crew and passengers.
The incident unfolded around 8 p.m. local time, under the cover of darkness, as the Cessna was making its final approach to Runway 17. Reportedly experiencing further difficulties, the aircraft impacted the ground, flipping over upon contact. Crucially, and against considerable odds, the wreckage did not ignite, a factor that emergency responders believe was instrumental in preventing a catastrophic outcome and ensuring the survival of all occupants.
Following the crash, airport emergency teams at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport swiftly initiated full emergency protocols. Fire and rescue services, alongside medical personnel, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Their prompt action ensured that the injured occupants received immediate treatment and care.
Despite the severity of the crash, airport officials confirmed that normal flight operations at the facility continued without any significant disruption, showcasing efficient crisis management.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the nation’s primary agency for investigating aviation accidents and serious incidents, has wasted no time in launching a thorough probe into the event. Investigators will meticulously examine the wreckage, review flight data, interview witnesses, and analyze all available evidence to determine the precise causes of the in-flight emergency and the subsequent crash.
The NSIB is expected to provide periodic updates as their rigorous investigation progresses, aiming to ascertain lessons learned to enhance overall aviation safety.
The survival of all four individuals involved in the crash of the light aircraft is a testament to the quick thinking of the crew, the efficacy of emergency response teams, and perhaps, a touch of good fortune. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in aviation while also highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of robust safety protocols.
