Plane Crash in Owerri: Four Hospitalised as Cessna Aircraft Somersaults at Imo Airport

Four people are receiving medical treatment after a light aircraft crash-landed and overturned at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, in Imo State.

The aircraft, a Cessna 172 operated by Skypower Express, was involved in the incident after the flight crew declared an emergency midair and diverted the plane to Owerri.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that the aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, had taken off from Kaduna International Airport and was heading to Port Harcourt International Airport when the emergency occurred.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, the bureau disclosed that all four occupants were on board at the time of the crash and that no fatalities were recorded.

Airport emergency teams were swiftly deployed to the scene, with officials confirming that no post-crash fire occurred. Flight operations at the airport were also unaffected, as the runway remained open and functional, allowing other aircraft to operate safely after the incident.

Mrs Oladeji said arrangements were being made to remove the damaged aircraft from the crash site to enable a detailed examination of the wreckage.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., confirmed that a formal investigation had commenced in line with the bureau’s statutory responsibilities.

“We sympathise with the management of Skypower Express and are grateful that there were no fatalities,” he said. “Our investigation team is fully engaged and working with relevant authorities to secure the site and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

The NSIB said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.