NSIB Launches Investigation into Crash-Landing of Diamond Training Aircraft at Ilorin International Airport
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has officially commenced a detailed investigation following the crash-landing of a Diamond training aircraft operated by the Aviation Training School, Ilorin, Kwara State.
The incident occurred on Friday, May 23, 2025, at approximately 17:28 local time during a routine simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 at Ilorin International Airport.
According to preliminary information, the aircraft deviated from its intended course during the approach and veered off the runway. It eventually came to a halt on the adjacent grass verge.
There were two occupants on board the aircraft at the time of the incident. Both individuals sustained serious injuries and were promptly evacuated to a nearby medical facility. The evacuation was coordinated efficiently by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), which ensured a swift medical and emergency response.
Two Hospitalized as Training Aircraft Crash-Lands
In reaction to the accident, the NSIB has activated its Go-Team — a specialized unit responsible for on-site investigations of aviation incidents and accidents. The team, based in Abuja, is currently en route to Ilorin to begin comprehensive investigative procedures.
Their responsibilities will include securing the crash site to prevent tampering or contamination of evidence, collecting and analyzing physical wreckage, interviewing key witnesses and personnel, and retrieving relevant operational data such as flight logs, communication records, and flight instrumentation readings.
Speaking on the incident, the Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., extended his sympathy to the injured and praised the coordinated efforts of emergency services. He emphasized the critical role of investigations in advancing aviation safety across the country.
“Our thoughts are with the injured, and we commend the swift medical and emergency response. Now, our focus is on understanding exactly what went wrong. Every investigation is an opportunity to improve safety. We are deploying our team to Ilorin to ensure that no detail is overlooked,” Captain Badeh stated.
The NSIB has appealed to members of the public and the media to refrain from circulating unverified information or engaging in speculation regarding the cause of the accident.
The Bureau reaffirmed its commitment to conducting an objective, professional, and transparent investigation in line with international best practices and standards. It also assured stakeholders that updates will be released as factual findings become available.
The investigation is expected to focus on multiple possible factors, including mechanical integrity of the aircraft, weather conditions at the time of the incident, pilot proficiency, and adherence to standard operational procedures by the Aviation Training School.
This incident has once again underscored the importance of rigorous training and oversight in Nigeria’s aviation sector, particularly within training institutions. The findings of the NSIB’s investigation will be instrumental in shaping future safety recommendations to prevent similar occurrences.
As the investigation progresses, the NSIB has reiterated its dedication to enhancing aviation safety and protecting lives through its mandate of uncovering causes of air accidents and recommending preventative measures.
Further updates will be communicated in due course as more information emerges from the ongoing inquiry.