The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an on-site investigation into the crash-landing of a Diamond training aircraft belonging to the Aviation Training School.
The incident occurred at 17:28 local time on May 23, 2025, during a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 at General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin.
In a statement signed by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, the Bureau confirmed that its investigation team has begun work and successfully recovered the aircraft’s data card.
NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., visited the crash site on May 24, 2025, to personally assess the scene and oversee the initial phase of the investigation.
“Our investigators are on ground and have begun work in earnest. The damaged aircraft is positioned on the left side of the runway, and recovery operations are nearly complete,” Captain Badeh Jr. said. “Four of our specialists will remain at the site to complete critical measurements before returning to Abuja.”
The recovered data card will undergo analysis at the NSIB’s transport safety laboratory, which will inform the Bureau’s findings and support the development of safety recommendations. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days.
Captain Badeh Jr. emphasized the Bureau’s dedication to a transparent and thorough investigation:
“Our job is to determine what happened, to whom it happened, how it happened, and most importantly, how to prevent it from happening again.”
He also provided an update on the aircraft’s occupants, confirming that both individuals are conscious and in stable condition.
“They are conscious, coherent, and in stable condition,” he stated. “One has undergone an MRI scan, and both are receiving appropriate medical care.”
The NSIB reassured the public that Nigeria’s airspace remains safe and that updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
