Two individuals have been hospitalized following the crash-landing of a Diamond training aircraft operated by the Aviation Training School in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, on Friday.
According to staff from the training school, the incident occurred at approximately 4 p.m. during a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 at Ilorin International Airport. A simulated instrument approach, also known as simulated instrument flight, involves a pilot navigating the aircraft solely through its instruments without visual reference.
Though no fatalities were recorded, both occupants sustained injuries and were taken to a medical facility. The current condition of the victims remains unknown.
In a statement, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), represented by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, confirmed that an investigation into the crash has begun. The aircraft reportedly veered off the runway and came to a halt on the grass verge during the simulated approach.
The NSIB further stated, โThere were two people on board, both of whom sustained serious injuries and were promptly evacuated to a medical facility with support from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency. A Go-Team from NSIB is being dispatched from Abuja to Ilorin to carry out an on-site investigation.โ
The team will secure the crash site, gather physical evidence, interview witnesses, and retrieve operational data to determine the cause and contributing factors of the incident.
Captain Alex Badeh, Director General of the NSIB, said, โOur thoughts are with the injured, and we appreciate the prompt medical and emergency response. The focus now is to identify what went wrong. Each investigation is a step toward improving safety. Our team will ensure that every detail is thoroughly examined.โ
The Bureau has urged the public and media to avoid speculation and await verified information, reaffirming its commitment to conducting a comprehensive, independent, and professional investigation to enhance aviation safety in Nigeria.
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