Just In: Military Aircraft Crashes Shortly After Take-Off In Abuja
An aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has crashed on the runway of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja today, Sunday, February 21, 2021
Reports reaching Forefront indicate that the military aircraft, King Air 350, was on a military mission when it crashed landed shortly after take-off from the Airport.
It was gathered the Pilot of the aircraft, which was on its way to Minna, the Niger State capital, reported an engine failure shortly before it crashed landed on its final approach to Abuja Airport Runway 22 at about 10:48UTC.
Competent sources said the Aircraft (NAF201departed Abuja airport at 1033UTC with six persons on board including two crew members.
A video of the unfortunate accident showed that men of the Fire Services quickly mobilized to the scene of the crash and were seen trying to put out the flame emitting from the aircraft’s debris.
The Director of Press and Public Affairs, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Mr James Odaudu has confirmed the accident but promised that further details would come later.
However, a brief statement by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, in confirming the incident, disclosed that all the seven passengers in the aircraft died in the crash.
The statement read: “This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 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 seven (7) personnel on board died in the crash. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo 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.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika had earlier announced the crash in a tweet on his twitter handle saying; “A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna.
“It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm and wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.”
