Brush With Tragedy: NSIB Launches Investigation into Ilorin Aircraft Crash, Recovers Vital Data

In what could have spiraled into a tragic incident, a Diamond training aircraft operated by the Aviation Training School crash-landed during a simulated exercise on Thursday, May 23, 2025, at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin. The aircraft, involved in a routine instructional flight, made an emergency landing at 17:28 local time on Runway 05, sending shockwaves across the aviation community and prompting an immediate response from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

The NSIB, which is tasked with the critical role of investigating civil aviation incidents in the country, swiftly moved to the scene and has since commenced a detailed on-site investigation. In a statement released today, May 24, 2025, the Bureau confirmed the recovery of the aircraft’s data card, a pivotal component in unraveling the sequence of events that led to the emergency landing. This card, often referred to as the digital memory of the flight, holds crucial data that will aid investigators in determining not only what went wrong, but also how to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Leading the charge is the NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., who personally visited the crash site this morning. According to a statement from Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the Bureau, Captain Badeh assessed the damage first-hand and met with the team of investigators assigned to the task. His visit underscores the gravity with which the NSIB is treating this incident, despite the fortunate news that no lives were lost.

“Our investigators are on ground and have begun work in earnest,” Badeh was quoted as saying. “The damaged aircraft is positioned on the left side of the runway, and recovery operations are nearly complete. Four of our specialists will remain at the site to complete critical measurements before returning to Abuja.”

While the wreckage presents a sobering sight—twisted metal and shattered components lying on the edge of one of Nigeria’s key regional airports—the mood among investigators is focused and resolute. Badeh emphasized that a preliminary report detailing the early findings of the investigation will be made public within 30 days. This transparency, he said, is central to the NSIB’s mission of enhancing air safety across Nigeria.

The Diamond aircraft, a model commonly used in training programs due to its agility and relatively low operational cost, was undergoing a simulated instrument approach when the incident occurred. Instrument approaches are typically practiced under controlled conditions to train pilots on navigating aircraft using cockpit instruments rather than visual cues. These maneuvers, while standard in pilot training, can become perilous if even the slightest malfunction or misjudgment occurs.

In this instance, the NSIB has yet to confirm the specific trigger of the crash-landing. However, early signs suggest that the crew may have encountered technical difficulties mid-flight. The aircraft’s position—off the designated landing path and lodged to the side of the runway—indicates a deviation from the intended course, though whether this was due to mechanical failure, pilot error, or environmental factors will be determined through the data card analysis and subsequent inquiry.

One glimmer of relief in this otherwise tense situation is the condition of the two individuals on board. According to Badeh, both occupants are “conscious and coherent.” One has already undergone an MRI scan, while the other is also receiving necessary medical attention. The survival of both trainees—presumably student and instructor—is a testament to their training and perhaps a stroke of luck that more severe injuries were avoided.

The Aviation Training School, the operator of the ill-fated aircraft, has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the incident. However, it is expected that they will fully cooperate with NSIB investigators in the coming days. Training schools in Nigeria, particularly those operating under the aegis of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), are mandated to adhere to strict safety protocols. This incident may trigger a wider review of training procedures and aircraft maintenance regimes across similar institutions nationwide.

At the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, normal flight operations have resumed, albeit with heightened caution and scrutiny. Airport authorities are working closely with the NSIB to ensure that the investigation progresses smoothly and that all safety recommendations resulting from the incident are implemented without delay.

This crash-landing, though not fatal, serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in aviation training and the ever-present need for vigilance, preparedness, and swift response. As the data card is analyzed in NSIB’s transport safety laboratory, the nation awaits answers—not only to understand the causes behind this incident, but also to reinforce the systems that keep Nigeria’s skies safe.

Meanwhile, aviation experts and stakeholders are watching closely. With Nigeria's aviation sector gradually recovering from the disruptions of previous years and aiming to position itself as a regional hub, any incident involving flight safety attracts significant attention. The lessons drawn from this investigation may influence policy, training standards, and operational protocols not only within Nigeria but across West Africa.

Captain Badeh’s closing remarks encapsulate the NSIB’s mission: “Our job is to determine what happened, to whom it happened, how it happened, and most importantly, how to prevent it from happening again.” With that solemn promise, the Bureau continues its work—quietly but diligently—on the edge of Runway 05 in Ilorin, piecing together the story of a flight that didn’t go as planned but ended in survival rather than sorrow.