Aircraft Crash in Ilorin Injures 2, Sparks Safety Probe

Aircraft Crash in Ilorin Injures 2, Sparks Safety Probe

Aircraft crash in Ilorin has left two people hospitalized and raised urgent questions about safety at Nigeria’s aviation training centers. The accident involved a Diamond training aircraft operated by the Aviation Training School in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The plane crash-landed during a training exercise late Saturday afternoon. Eyewitnesses from the school say the crash happened around 4:00 p.m. while the aircraft was performing a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 at Ilorin International Airport.

This type of training flight requires pilots to rely only on their instruments. During such operations, they wear special goggles or hoods that block outside views to help them practice flying in poor visibility conditions.

There were only two people on board when the crash occurred. Both sustained serious injuries. Emergency response teams, coordinated by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, rushed to the scene and moved the victims to a nearby hospital.

Their current medical condition is still unclear. Hospital staff have not released any official statements, and families are waiting anxiously for news.

Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), confirmed the incident in a public statement. She explained that the aircraft veered off the runway and came to a stop on the grass.

She said, “Two occupants were on board. Both sustained serious injuries and were swiftly evacuated to a medical facility, coordinated by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.”

NSIB’s emergency response team, known as the “Go-Team,” is on its way from Abuja to Ilorin. They are expected to arrive on-site and start a detailed investigation. Their duties include securing the crash site, gathering physical evidence, interviewing those who witnessed the event, and retrieving data from the aircraft.

Captain Alex Badeh, Director General of NSIB, expressed concern for the victims. He said, “Our thoughts are with the injured, and we commend the swift medical and emergency response. Now, our focus is on understanding exactly what went wrong. Every investigation is an opportunity to improve safety. We are deploying our team to Ilorin to ensure that no detail is overlooked.”

The cause of the crash is not yet known. Investigators hope to uncover whether mechanical failure, human error, or environmental conditions led to the accident.

NSIB also asked the public and the media to avoid sharing unverified information. “As the NSIB remains committed to ensuring a thorough, independent, and professional investigation that supports ongoing efforts to enhance aviation safety in Nigeria,” said Oladeji.

The Aviation Training School has not released its own statement. But a source close to the institution says staff and students are shaken by the event. Many have never witnessed such a close brush with tragedy before.

While no lives were lost, the incident has put a spotlight on how aviation schools manage training safety. Aviation experts say this type of accident, even though rare, can have serious consequences if not thoroughly addressed.

For now, Nigerians await answers as the investigation gets underway. The NSIB promises full transparency and says it will provide regular updates as more details become available.

This accident has stirred worry among families of aviation trainees across the country. Several parents contacted by The Gazette News expressed fear over the risks their children face during training.

One father said, “We want our children to learn to fly, but not at the cost of their lives. We need answers and better safety.”

Experts insist that simulated instrument approaches are crucial for pilot certification. However, they also call for tighter regulation, better emergency drills, and improved aircraft maintenance checks before such exercises.

The crash also reveals the urgent need to audit training facilities to ensure they comply with safety rules. Several aviation bodies are now watching the NSIB investigation closely, hoping the outcome will lead to stronger safety protocols nationwide.

As the dust settles in Ilorin, many are asking how this could have happened and what lessons will be learned to prevent future tragedies.