Tragedy struck at Abuja Airport, in Nigeria’s capital city on Sunday, as a small Air Force plane crash-landed close to the runway and seven passenger onboard died.
The Nigerian Air Force, reacting to the incident on Sunday afternoon, said “seven passengers onboard a Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft died when the jet crashed in Abuja.”
It informed that the jet en route Minna in Niger State, crashed close to the runway of the Abuja airport after reporting engine failure.
In a statement by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal IO Amao, has ordered an immediate probe of the accident.
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“This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash.
“The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal IO Amao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
“While urging the general public to remain calm and await the outcome of investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased,” Daramola said.
