Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau Launches On-Site Probe into Diamond Training Aircraft Crash

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an on-site investigation into the crash-landing of a Diamond training aircraft operated by the Aviation Training School.

The incident occurred at 17:28 local time on Friday, May 23, 2025, during a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin.

The crash involved two occupants, both of whom survived and are receiving medical care. One of them has undergone an MRI scan, and both are reported to be conscious and in stable condition.

The NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh, visited the crash site on Saturday to assess the situation firsthand and oversee the initial phase of the investigation.

The NSIB has recovered the aircraft’s data card, which is now undergoing analysis at the Bureau’s transport safety laboratory.

The results will contribute to the preliminary report, expected within 30 days.

Badeh confirmed that four of the Bureau’s specialists will remain at the site to complete critical measurements before returning to Abuja.

“Our investigators are on the 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.

“Our job is to determine what happened, to whom it happened, how it happened, and most importantly, how to prevent it from happening again,” Badeh said.

Badeh confirmed that both individuals involved in the crash survived and are receiving medical treatment.

“They are conscious, coherent, and in stable condition. One has undergone an MRI scan, and both are receiving appropriate medical care,” he added.

While the investigation continues, the NSIB assured the public that Nigerian airspace remains secure and further updates will be made available as the investigation progresses.