NSIB launches probe after private jet crash-lands at Kano airport

Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced a formal investigation into an aviation incident involving a Hawker 800XP aircraft at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano State.

The aircraft, bearing nationality and registration marks 5N-ISB and operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited, was on a non-scheduled domestic passenger flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to Kano when the incident occurred.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, said the flight departed Abuja at about 9:20 a.m. local time with eight persons on board.

“There were eight persons on board, comprising two cockpit crew members, one cabin crew member, and five passengers,” she stated.

According to Oladeji, the flight crew noticed an abnormal indication related to the aircraft’s landing gear while approaching Kano and immediately alerted air traffic control.

“During the approach phase into Kano, the flight crew reported a landing gear indication anomaly and requested multiple low passes over the runway to allow air traffic controllers to visually confirm the landing gear position,” she said.

She explained that Kano Tower confirmed after each low pass that all three landing gears appeared fully extended, after which the aircraft was cleared to land.

“The aircraft subsequently positioned for landing on Runway 06 and touched down at about 10:34 a.m. local time,” Oladeji added.

However, she disclosed that during the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed, prompting an emergency response. All occupants safely disembarked from the aircraft, and no injuries were recorded.

Following notification of the incident, the NSIB immediately activated its Go-Team to begin on-site investigation.

Oladeji noted that investigators would assess the aircraft systems, crew actions, operational procedures and maintenance records to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The bureau wishes to assure the public that this investigation is not conducted to apportion blame or liability, but to identify safety issues and prevent future occurrences,” she said, adding that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.