A CL60 aircraft operated by Triton Aviation has made an emergency landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after its crew reported that a door had opened during flight.
The aircraft, with registration number T7-SEI, departed Abuja for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 4:17 p.m. on Thursday.
According to a serious incident report, the aircraft was about three nautical miles from the airport and flying at 3,000 feet when the crew issued a distress call at 4:20 p.m.
The crew declared “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY” after reporting that a door had opened in flight, prompting air traffic control to direct the aircraft back to Abuja for an emergency landing on Runway 22.
The report said air traffic control alerted the airport’s fire and medical teams to remain on standby at 4:22 p.m. UTC.
At 4:29 p.m. UTC, the crew asked the control tower whether controllers could see the open door. However, the duty air traffic controller could not confirm this because of the aircraft’s position.
The aircraft landed safely on Runway 22 at 4:34 p.m. UTC. After landing, the controller observed that the door was missing from the aircraft’s fuselage.
The aircraft was subsequently taxied to the international apron extension and parked with the assistance of a marshaller at about 4:40 p.m. UTC.
NSIB Begins Investigation
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the incident, with its investigators already at the scene.
The bureau’s media team confirmed the incident to Vanguard, saying an official statement would be released shortly.
“Yes, it happened. The investigators are there. We will be releasing an official statement shortly,” the team said.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the loss of the aircraft’s door shortly after take-off.
The report did not provide details about the number of people on board or whether anyone sustained injuries.
