The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has begun a formal investigation into an accident involving a Skypower Express Cessna 172 aircraft at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
The aircraft, with nationality and registration marks 5N-ASR, was involved in the occurrence at about 8:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
It was operating a flight from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the flight crew declared an in-flight emergency, prompting a diversion to Owerri. The aircraft, however, crashed while on approach to Runway 17.
The NSIB confirmed that four persons were on board the aircraft at the time of the accident. No fatalities have been recorded, a development described by aviation authorities as a significant relief given the circumstances of the crash.
Immediately after the incident, emergency response units at the airport were activated in line with established safety procedures. Rescue and fire-fighting services arrived at the scene promptly, and officials confirmed that there was no post-crash fire.
Airport operations were not severely affected, as the runway remained open and other aircraft were able to operate safely after the incident.
Authorities are currently working to recover and evacuate the damaged aircraft from the approach area to facilitate an in-depth examination of the wreckage.
This process, according to the NSIB, is critical to determining the sequence of events and identifying any technical, human or environmental factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Commenting on the incident, the Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed sympathy with the operator while welcoming the fact that all occupants survived.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are thankful that no loss of life has been reported,” he said. “The Bureau has activated its investigation protocols, and our investigators are already working closely with relevant authorities to secure the site and preserve critical evidence.”
Captain Badeh Jr. added that the Bureau would provide updates as more information becomes available during the course of the investigation.
The NSIB is Nigeria’s statutory body responsible for investigating transport accidents and incidents across multiple modes, including aviation.
Through its independent and comprehensive investigations, the Bureau aims to establish probable causes and issue safety recommendations targeted at preventing similar occurrences in the future.
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