Thelma Osatohanmwen
In a concerning incident, a chartered aircraft en route from Abuja to Ibadan, carrying the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, experienced a harrowing crash landing.
The aircraft, identified as a Flint Short Aero HS 125 with registration number 5N-AMM, landed approximately 50 meters short of the runway threshold and subsequently skidded into a bushy area near the runway.
It was gathered that the incident took place in the backdrop of adverse weather conditions, following a travel warning issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET). The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had also advised pilots and airlines to exercise caution, particularly as the dry season approached.
Prior to the crash landing, the aircraft had communicated with the control tower at 18:56, requesting an extension, which was granted by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
Currently, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been informed of the incident, although an official statement from the authority is pending. The details and circumstances surrounding the crash landing are expected to be thoroughly investigated to determine the cause and any potential contributing factors.
NEWSTODAYNG gathered that the incident has raised concerns about aviation safety in Nigeria, especially in the face of adverse weather conditions, and underscores the need for continued vigilance and precaution in air travel.
