A Cessna 172 operated by Skypower Express crashed on Tuesday evening near the approach to Runway 17 at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, after the crew declared an in-flight emergency.

The aircraft, bearing registration 5N-ASR, had been traveling from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport but diverted to Owerri due to the emergency. Four people were on board at the time, and authorities confirmed that no fatalities or serious injuries occurred.

The crash, which took place around 8:00 pm local time, prompted an immediate response from airport emergency services. Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) officials reported that there was no post-crash fire and that other airport operations continued unaffected.

Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, stated that recovery efforts are ongoing to remove the aircraft from the crash site for detailed examination.

“Efforts are ongoing to recover the distressed aircraft from the crash site for a detailed wreckage examination,” she said.

The NSIB confirmed that it has activated its investigation protocols and is coordinating with airport and security authorities to secure the site.

Reacting to the incident, NSIB Director-General Alex Badeh Jr. expressed relief that no casualties occurred and extended sympathies to Skypower Express management.

“We express our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are glad that no fatalities have been reported so far. Our team is coordinating with authorities to secure the site,” Badeh said.