Emergency Diversion Ends in Cessna 172 Accident as NSIB Moves to Investigate Owerri Incident
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated a detailed investigation into an accident involving a Skypower Express Cessna 172 aircraft at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
The aircraft, registered 5N-ASR, was involved in the occurrence at approximately 20:00 hours local time on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
It had departed Kaduna International Airport bound for Port Harcourt International Airport before the flight crew declared an emergency en route, leading to a diversion to Owerri. During the approach phase, the aircraft crashed near Runway 17.
According to official information released by the NSIB, four persons were on board the aircraft at the time of the accident. No fatalities have been reported, a development aviation authorities described as reassuring under the circumstances.
Following the incident, emergency response procedures at the airport were immediately activated. Fire and rescue services were swiftly deployed to the scene, and officials confirmed that there was no post-accident fire.
Airport operations continued without major disruption, as the runway remained open and other aircraft were able to operate safely after the occurrence.
Arrangements are currently underway to recover and evacuate the distressed aircraft from the crash location. This will enable investigators to carry out a comprehensive examination of the wreckage as part of efforts to establish the sequence of events and contributing factors.
Speaking on the incident, the Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed sympathy with the airline while commending the effectiveness of emergency response measures.
“We express our sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are relieved that no fatalities have been recorded,” he said. “The NSIB has activated its investigation protocols, and our team is already coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the accident site.”
Captain Badeh Jr. noted that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
The NSIB is a multimodal transport safety agency mandated to conduct objective, comprehensive and independent investigations into transport accidents and incidents in Nigeria.
Its role includes identifying probable causes and issuing safety recommendations aimed at enhancing aviation and overall transport safety across the country.
