Flight operations resumed today at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State after they were suspended to allow for commencement of investigations into a private jet accident that occurred on Friday.
The aircraft, which crash-landed close to the runway, disrupted flight activities, as accident investigators were immediately deployed to the scene. On board the flight were the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, and some of his aides.
The minister later allayed fears about his safety. His aide told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan that Adelabu was in good spirits and not perturbed by the incident.
”The minister feels the incident is not something to worry about. It was actually a minor thing, and that is how he has taken it”, the aide said.
The aide further told NAN that the minister was particularly not worried by the incident because it did not involve any of the passengers leaving with any injury.
”Everyone on board the aircraft when the incident happened actually alighted without any problem, and we have no cause to worry”, the aide added.
The aircraft had departed Abuja with Ibadan as its destination, but landed about 50 metres short of the threshold and skidded into a ditch close to the runway.
Officials of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), on Saturday morning, confirmed the accident and promised to provide further details as they unfold.
“Yes. Investigators are on the ground at Ibadan. Further details shall be given as they unfold”, NSIB spokesperson, Mr. Tunji Oketumbi said.
The General Manager of the State Fire Service, Yemi Akinyinka, while confirming the incident to The PUNCH on the phone said, “Yes, it is true. Our men are on their way but I don’t have details now. You will be updated”, he stated.
It was gathered that the HS25B aircraft with call sign 5NAMM, operated by FLINT AERO, which departed Abuja at 18.41hrs to Ibadan, crashed short of the runway at about 19.21hrs.
Although there was no fatality, sources said the aircraft sustained substantial damage, and that all 10 passengers and three crew members were safely evacuated.
In a statement on Saturday, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. James Odaudu said the agency was notified.
He said: “The NSIB commenced investigation into the accident involving an HS 125 aircraft with Nationality and Registration Marks 5N-AMM belonging to Flint Aero, which occurred at about 08:21 pm (Local Time) on 3rd November 2023.
“The aircraft, with 10 passengers and three crew members onboard was en route to Ibadan from Abuja. The aircraft, on final approach to landing on Runway 22, Ibadan Airport crashed short of the runway.
“There was no fatality, as all passengers and crew were safely evacuated. As the investigating agency, NSIB needs and hereby solicits your assistance.
“The public knows that we would be amenable to receiving any video clip, relevant evidence, or information any member of the public may have of the accident that can assist us with this investigation.
“The bureau will appreciate that the general public and press respect the privacy of the people involved and not assume the cause of the serious incident until the formal report is released. The Bureau will release the preliminary report as soon as possible”.
