By Aileru Binta
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has commenced investigation into circumstances that led to the crashing of a Jabiru J430 aircraft in Lagos yesterday.
In a statement, the Bureau’s spokesperson, Tunji Oketunbi, said: “We have been notified and commenced investigation into an accident involving a Jabiru J430, a light single airplane with Nationality and Registration Marks 5N-CCQ operated by Air First Hospitality and Tours, which occurred around a little after 1500hrs local time on August 1, 2023.
“The aircraft was on a test flight within Lagos with two passengers onboard, before it crashed around Oba Akran area of Lagos State with no fatalities.
“The aircraft caught fire on impact but the spread was contained by the rainfall at the time of impact. The two souls on board were taken to the hospital.
“The NSIB, hereby, solicits information from the general public in form of pictures, video or recording evidences to assist in conducting a comprehensive investigation.”
Residents of Oba Akran, Ikeja area of Lagos State, ran Helter skelter when the light single-engine aircraft, turbo 5N-CCQ, crashed on a major road and burst into flames.
The incident occurred adjacent to AP Filling Station and a commercial bank, on Oba Akran, at about 1.41pm local time.
Reports say the ill-fated aircraft had the pilot and three passengers on board.
Motorists and commuters scampered for safety, as a result of the incident, which resulted in traffic gridlock at the scene and adjourning roads.
Identities of the occupants were unknown, as of the time of writing this report, but they were said to be foreigners, who were on a test run of the ill-fated plane.
According to a source from the control tower of Lagos airport, the aircraft operated by Air First Hospital and Tour crashed from 1500 feet after leaving the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA.
The source also disclosed that the South African-made Javir plane was coming in for an emergency landing but hit the light pole after making the circuit.
It was also gathered that the aircraft had five hours of fuel endurance
