The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that two people aboard a Diamond training aircraft operated by the Aviation Training School, Ilorin, were injured following a crash-landing incident.
The NSIB announced that it has launched an investigation into the crash, which occurred during a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 at Ilorin International Airport.
In a statement released Friday night, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, reported that the incident took place at 17:28 local time on May 23, 2025.
She explained that the aircraft veered off the runway and came to rest on the grass verge.
According to the statement: “Two occupants were on board. Both sustained serious injuries and were swiftly evacuated to a medical facility, coordinated by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).”
Mrs. Oladeji further noted that the NSIB Go-Team is preparing to depart from Abuja to Ilorin to carry out an on-site investigation.
She added, “The team will secure the site, collect physical evidence, interview witnesses, and retrieve operational data to establish the cause and contributing factors of the incident.”
Commenting on the crash, NSIB Director General Capt. Alex Badeh Jr. said: “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.”
The Bureau appealed to the public and media to refrain from speculation and to await verified updates.
NSIB reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a thorough, independent, and professional investigation aimed at enhancing aviation safety in Nigeria.
Further information will be provided as the investigation progresses.
