Two occupants of a Diamond training aircraft, operated by the Aviation Training School in Ilorin, were seriously injured after the plane crash-landed on Friday evening.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), confirmed that the incident happened during a simulated instrument approach at Ilorin International Airport around 5:28 pm.
Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, explained that the aircraft veered off the runway and came to rest on the grass verge. Both injured persons were quickly evacuated to a medical facility with coordination from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
The Director General of NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern for the victims, saying, “Our thoughts are with the injured, and we commend the swift medical and emergency response.”
He emphasised the bureau’s commitment to a meticulous investigation, adding, “Every investigation is an opportunity to improve safety. We are deploying our team to Ilorin to ensure that no detail is overlooked.”
Capt. Badeh assured Nigerians that the investigation would be thorough, independent, and professional to strengthen aviation safety nationwide. He also appealed to the public and media to avoid speculation and wait for verified information from the authorities.
As the NSIB team prepares to travel to Ilorin to begin on-site investigations, further updates will be provided as the inquiry unfolds.