Nigerian military plane crashed in Lagos killing 7

Seven people on board a military aircraft died in a crash Sunday near Nigeria’s capital Abuja, the country’s air force spokesman said.

The cause of the accident is still unknown but officials said the pilot had reported an engine failure.

“A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure,” spokesman Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement.

“Sadly, all seven personnel on board died in the crash,” he added.

The pilot of the Intelligence Reconnaissance Aircraft complained of engine failure moments after departing for Minna, the capital of Niger State, and was advised to return to the Abuja airport immediately.

Reports indicated that the plane belonging to the Nigerian Air Force departed at 10.33 UTC with two crew members and other people.

The engine failure was reported at about 10.39 UTC and the aircraft crashed-landed on the final approach path of the Abuja runway 22 at 10.48 UTC.

A farmer who witnessed the crash said the pilot tried to maintain balance but it hit a tree very near the stream in Bassa village. 

Via Twitter on Sunday, Aviation minister Sirika Hadi said the aircraft crashed short of the runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

“It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm and wait for the outcome of investigations by the military, while we pray for the departed soul, if any,” the minister said.

Mr James Odaudu, the director of Press and Public Affairs at the Federal Ministry of Aviation, also confirmed the crash.