Training aircraft crash-lands at Ilorin airport: NSIB begins investigation

DDM News

A Diamond training aircraft has crash-landed at the Ilorin International Airport in Kwara State, Nigeria.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the incident occurred on Friday, May 23, 2025, during a simulated instrument approach.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the crash, which involved a flight operated by the Aviation Training School in Ilorin.

According to the NSIB, the aircraft veered off Runway 05 during the exercise and came to rest on a grass verge beside the runway.

There were two people on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.

Both occupants sustained serious injuries and were immediately taken to a medical facility for urgent treatment.

The evacuation was carried out swiftly with the help of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

The NSIB has already dispatched its Go-Team from Abuja to the crash site to begin a full investigation into the incident.

The team is expected to secure the crash scene, gather physical evidence, and interview eyewitnesses present during the crash.

They will also retrieve data from the aircraft’s systems to uncover both the direct cause and contributing factors behind the accident.

Captain Alex Badeh Jr., the Director-General of the NSIB, expressed sympathy for the injured and praised the emergency response teams.

He emphasized that the Bureau’s priority is now to conduct a thorough investigation without missing any detail.

He further stated that each accident serves as an opportunity to enhance flight safety standards and prevent future occurrences.

“We must understand exactly what went wrong,” said Badeh Jr., while reiterating the Bureau’s dedication to aviation safety.

The NSIB has called on members of the public and the media to refrain from spreading unverified information regarding the incident.

They stressed that only verified facts will be shared to avoid misinformation and maintain the integrity of the investigation process.

Updates will be released periodically as the investigation unfolds and more details become available.

Friday’s incident has once again raised concerns about the safety protocols and oversight in Nigeria’s aviation training programs.

Ilorin Airport has previously served as a hub for aviation training activities, making this crash a matter of serious public interest.

Experts say incidents during training simulations, while not uncommon, should be thoroughly investigated to prevent repetition.

Aviation analysts are now monitoring how the NSIB’s findings may influence regulations for training flights and airport procedures.

This crash follows recent efforts by Nigeria to upgrade safety standards in its aviation sector, with increased oversight and investment.

Observers believe the transparency and speed of this investigation will be crucial in sustaining public confidence in flight safety.

The Diamond aircraft involved is widely used globally for pilot training, prized for its reliability and handling characteristics.

However, like all aircraft, it requires rigorous maintenance and operational discipline to avoid accidents.

The Aviation Training School, Ilorin, is yet to release an official statement regarding the incident or the condition of the injured.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to assess the airport’s infrastructure and emergency response capabilities in light of this event.

NSIB’s final report on this incident will likely include recommendations aimed at improving pilot training protocols nationwide.

The Bureau’s work is seen as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s aviation safety strategy, especially in preventing training-related accidents.

This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in flight training and the importance of constant vigilance.

As the nation awaits the full findings, stakeholders in aviation are expected to review internal safety standards and procedures.

Ilorin residents have also expressed concern over flight operations in the area, particularly during student pilot exercises.

The state government has not yet commented publicly, but sources say consultations with aviation authorities are ongoing.

For now, the airport remains open, but with heightened safety protocols and increased regulatory presence.

As more facts emerge, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will continue to provide accurate, verified, and up-to-date coverage of the situation.

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