Two individuals have been hospitalised following the crash-landing of a training aircraft operated by the Aviation Training School at Ilorin Airport, the capital of Kwara State, on Friday evening.
This information was confirmed in a statement released on Saturday by Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs for the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and was made available to journalists in Ilorin.
The state government has expressed significant relief that the incident did not result in fatalities.
Oladeji reported that the two individuals aboard the Diamond training aircraft sustained serious injuries and were promptly transported to a medical facility, with coordination provided by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). The NSIB has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The incident occurred at 17:28 hours during a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 at Ilorin International Airport. The aircraft veered off the runway and came to a halt on the grass verge.
“The two occupants were quickly evacuated and received urgent medical attention,” the statement detailed.
Oladeji further noted that a NSIB investigative team is preparing to travel from Abuja to Ilorin for an on-site examination.
In response to the incident, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB, expressed, “Our thoughts are with those injured, and we commend the prompt medical and emergency response. Our priority now is to ascertain the exact cause of the mishap. Each investigation presents a chance to enhance safety protocols. We are dispatching our team to Ilorin to ensure all details are meticulously examined.”
Badeh assured a comprehensive, independent, and professional inquiry aimed at bolstering aviation safety standards in Nigeria, promising to share updates as the investigation unfolds.
The NSIB has urged both the public and the media to refrain from speculation and to await confirmed information from the relevant authorities.
In a statement made yesterday, the Kwara State government expressed deep relief that the incident did not end in tragedy. The state’s Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, confirmed that the victims were swiftly taken to a hospital in Ilorin, where they are currently receiving care.
In a statement from the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Omotayo Ayanda, the commissioner praised the rapid and professional response from college authorities and medical staff, highlighting the significance of emergency readiness and strict adherence to safety standards in aviation training institutions.
She assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the incident and to implement preventive measures for future occurrences.
“The Kwara State Government is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and will continue to support initiatives aimed at enhancing safety standards across all sectors,” she stated.
Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, extended his thoughts and best wishes for a swift recovery to those affected.
Additionally, Captain Yakubu Okatahi, Rector of the College, provided further insights into the incident. He remarked, “Our instructor was conducting a routine training flight when, regrettably, the aircraft encountered difficulties during landing. We are thankful that there were no fatalities. Both the pilot and instructor were evacuated to the hospital last night.”
“This morning, they underwent CT scans and MRIs and have been confirmed to be in stable condition. We are grateful that no lives were lost, although the aircraft sustained damage,” he added.
“The National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has completed their visit and investigation, and engineers from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) are also on-site. After thorough examinations, they confirmed that the situation is under control. The investigation has concluded, and we are now awaiting the official report,” he concluded.
