The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Sunday confirmed the death of seven personnel in an air crash involving one of its aircraft, Beechcraft KingAir B350i, which crashed at the while returning to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airpor, Abuja, after reporting engine failure.
The officials included Flight Lieutenant Haruna Gadzama (Captain) Flight Lieutenant Henry Piyo (Co-Pilot), Flying Officer Micheal Okpara (Airborne Tactical Observation System (ATOS) Specialist), Warrant Officer Bassey Etim (ATOS Specialis”t), Flight Sergeant Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS Specialist), Sergeant Ugochukwu Oluka (ATOS Specialist) and Aircraftman Adewale Johnson (Onboard Technician).
It was further learnt that the aircraft was scheduled to conduct surveillance missions over Niger State and its environs in connection the efforts to secure the release of the students/staff abducted from the Government Science College Kagara, Niger State.
A statement issued by the spokesman for NAF, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, said the aircraft was returning from Minna when the incident occurred.
Following the development, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, ordered an investigation into the crash.
“This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna.
“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, commiser
He said the panel had commenced its work adding that the NAF had notified the next-of-kin and families of the deceased.
“Earlier, the CAS visited the scene of the accident, in company of the Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retired); Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Lucky Irabor, and other Service Chiefs. The CAS, on behalf of officers, airmen and airwomen of the NAF, once more commiserates with the families of the deceased personnel and prays that the Almighty God grants their souls eternal repose,” Daramola said.
