NSIB Launches Investigation into Training Aircraft Crash-Landing at Ilorin Airport

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced a formal investigation into the crash-landing of a Diamond training aircraft belonging to the Aviation Training School, Ilorin, which veered off the runway during a simulated instrument approach at Ilorin International Airport.

The incident occurred at approximately 17:28 local time on Friday, 23 May 2025, during a training exercise on Runway 05. The aircraft lost directional control during the manoeuvre and subsequently skidded off the runway, coming to rest on the adjacent grass verge.

According to a statement signed by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the Bureau, there were two occupants on board at the time of the incident.

Both individuals sustained serious injuries and were promptly evacuated to a medical facility. The emergency response was facilitated by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), which coordinated the swift medical intervention.

In immediate response to the accident, the NSIB has mobilised its Go-Team from Abuja to Ilorin. The team, comprising trained investigators and specialists, is expected to secure the crash site, recover physical evidence, interview relevant witnesses, and extract operational data from the aircraft.

The objective, according to the Bureau, is to determine the root cause and contributing factors of the crash-landing.

Speaking on the development, the Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed concern over the injuries sustained and praised the efficiency of the emergency response team.

“Our thoughts are with the injured, and we commend the swift medical and emergency response. Now, our focus is on understanding exactly what went wrong. Every investigation is an opportunity to improve safety. We are deploying our team to Ilorin to ensure that no detail is overlooked,” Captain Badeh said.

The NSIB has appealed to the public and media to refrain from speculation and to rely only on verified information as the investigation progresses.

The Bureau assured that it remains committed to a thorough, independent, and professional inquiry in its continuous effort to enhance aviation safety across Nigeria.

Further updates will be issued in due course.

The NSIB is a multimodal transport agency mandated to promote transport safety through independent investigations into accidents and incidents across the aviation, rail, marine, and road transport sectors.

The Bureau aims to determine probable causes and make evidence-based safety recommendations to prevent future occurrences.