Seven killed as Air Force aircraft crashes in Abuja

Etim Effiong

A Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft, belonging to Nigerian Air Force NAF201, crashed in Abuja on Sunday killing seven people.

Sources said the aircraft crashed almost 15 minutes after take-off from Abuja airport around 10:33a.m.

The source said that the aircraft had reported an engine failure around 10:39a.m., before crash landing on its final approach to Abuja runway 22 around 10:48a.m.

It was learnt that fire services were at the scene of the accident to control fire outbreak.

NAF spokesman, Air Vice Marshall Ibikunle Daramola, in a twit confirmed the report, saying that the crash occurred after the aircraft reported an engine failure enroute Minna, while returning to Abuja Airport.

“First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all seven personnel on board died in the crash.

“The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

“While urging the general public to remain calm and await the outcome of investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased,” AVM Daramola tweeted.

Also, Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika confirmed the development in a short statement on Twitter same day.

Sirika said: “A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. It appears to be fatal.

“We should remain calm and wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.”

Commenting on the sad development, also on the Twitter, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar said: “I have just learnt of the crash of a military aircraft near Abuja. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those onboard the ill-fated flight.”