Seven dead as military aircraft crashes at Abuja airport

A Nigerian air force aircraft has crashed at the Abuja airport, with all seven personnel on board dead.

Hadi Sirika, minister of aviation, said via his twitter handle that the military aircraft Beechcraft KingAir B350i crashed after reporting an engine failure en route Minna on Sunday.

“A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure en route Minna,” he tweeted.

Also confirming the crash, Ibikunle Daramola, director of public relations and information of the Nigerian air force, said the chief of air staff has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

“While urging the general public to remain calm & await the outcome of investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased,” he said.

The Nigerian Air Force NAF201, a B350 aircraft departed Abuja at 1033UTC with 7 persons on board including 2 crew.

The Aircraft reported engine failure at time 1039 and crashed landed on the final approach path of Abuja Runway 22 at time 1048UTC.

Fire services are already at the scene of the accident.

A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.🇳🇬🤲🏽😩

— Hadi Abubakar Sirika (@hadisirika) February 21, 2021