Panic as Light Aircraft Somersaults at Owerri Airport

There was panic at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, after a light aircraft somersaulted while attempting an emergency landing.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that the incident involved a Cessna 172 operated by Skypower Express.

According to the agency, the aircraft, with registration number 5N-ASR, was flying from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an in-flight emergency and diverted to Owerri.

On landing, the aircraft reportedly lost control and somersaulted on the runway. Four occupants were on board and were taken to the hospital for treatment. Their exact medical condition had not been independently confirmed at the time of filing this report.

The NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji, said the bureau has opened an investigation into the accident to determine its cause and make safety recommendations.

As of the time of this report, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had not yet issued official statements on the incident.

A formal investigation outcome is expected to clarify what went wrong and whether any safety or operational lapses contributed to the mishap.