A potentially disastrous situation was narrowly averted on Friday evening when an aircraft, carrying a serving minister, crash-landed near Ibadan Airport in Oyo State,Daily Trust report.
The minister involved in the incident was Adebayo Adelabu, who oversees the Power Ministry.
According to reports, the chartered aircraft, a Flint Short Aero HS 125 with the registration number 5N-AMM, initially contacted the control tower at 18:56 seeking an extension, which was granted by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
Sources have informed our correspondent that the aircraft touched down about 50 meters short of the runway threshold and skidded into a bushy ditch close to the runway.
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The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been informed and has already initiated an investigation into the incident, which took place at approximately 08:21 pm (Local Time) on November 3, 2023.
The aircraft, carrying 10 passengers and 3 crew members, was en-route from Abuja to Ibadan.
Dr. James Odaudu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NSIB, stated, “The aircraft, while on final approach to landing Runway 22 at Ibadan Airport, crashed short of the runway. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, as all passengers and crew were safely evacuated.”
As the investigating agency, NSIB is seeking the cooperation of the public and urges anyone with relevant video clips, evidence, or information regarding the accident to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Dr. Odaudu emphasized the need for the public and the press to respect the privacy of those involved and to refrain from speculating on the cause of the incident until the formal report is released. The Bureau intends to release a preliminary report as soon as possible.
