By AWC National Aviation Desk
In a dramatic aviation incident that could easily have ended in tragedy, a light aircraft crash-landed at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, on Tuesday evening, December 16, 2025, yet all four crew members onboard survived, aviation authorities confirmed.
Emergency Declared Mid-Flight
The Cessna 172 aircraft (registration 5N-ASR), operated by Skypower Express, was en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an in-flight emergency and diverted to Owerri for an urgent landing.
Crash Landing at Owerri
Around 6:58 p.m. local time, during its approach to Runway 17, the aircraft suffered a crash landing in the threshold area, sustaining significant damage and reportedly somersaulting on the tarmac.
Despite the severity of the incident:
- No fatalities were recorded on board.
- All four occupants—the pilot and crew members—were evacuated and rushed to nearby hospitals.
- Two crew members were reported in stable condition, while the other two, initially unconscious, were swiftly taken for medical attention.
Authorities emphasised there was no post-crash fire, and importantly, airport operations were not disrupted, with the runway remaining active for other flights.
Swift Emergency Response and Rescue
According to the Nigeria Police Force, Airport Command, airport police and emergency response teams were quickly on the scene after receiving the distress call, ensuring that all occupants were safely evacuated and receiving medical care.
The Nigerian Safety and Investigations Bureau (NSIB) has also activated an official investigation into the occurrence. NSIB’s Director-General, expressed relief that the incident did not result in loss of life and assured that investigators are coordinating with relevant agencies to examine the wreckage and determine the cause.
What This Means
This dramatic near-disaster highlights both the risks inherent in general aviation and the importance of rigorous emergency preparedness. The swift activation of emergency protocols and the absence of casualties reflect highly on the professionalism of the flight crew and the coordinated response of airport authorities.
As investigators continue to piece together what triggered the in-flight emergency, the focus remains on improving aviation safety standards, crew training and infrastructure readiness to prevent future incidents.
