Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao has ordered an immediate investigation into the events that led to the death of seven personnel when the force’s Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed at the Abuja airport.
The Air Force in a statement said the aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna.
“This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna,” the statement read.
“First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash.
“The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
“While urging the general public to remain calm and await the outcome of investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika had also confirmed the incident on his Twitter handle.
“A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure en-route 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,” the minister said on Twitter.
By Abel Ejikeme
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