Seven people lost their lives on Sunday, February 21, 2021, when a Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft, belonging to Nigerian Air Force NAF201, crashed in Abuja.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the aircraft crashed about 15 minutes after departing Abuja at about 10:33a.m.
According to a source, the aircraft had reported an engine failure at about 10:39a.m., before crash landing on its final approach to Abuja runway 22 at about 10:48a.m.
Fire services were at the scene of the accident, in efforts to control fire outbreak.
In a Twitter message, the NAF spokesman, Air Vice Marshall Ibikunle Daramola confirmed the report, saying that the crash occurred after the aircraft reported an engine failure enroute Minna, while returning to Abuja Airport.
“First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all seven 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,” AVM Daramola tweeted.
Also, Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika confirmed the development in a short statement on Twitter same day.
Sirika said: “A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. It appears to be fatal.
“We should remain calm and wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.”
Commenting on the sad development, also on the Twitter, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar said: “I have just learnt of the crash of a military aircraft near Abuja. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those onboard the ill-fated flight.”
The ruling party in Nigeria, All Progressives Congress (APC), commiserated with the families of the deceased in its tweet on @OfficialAPCNg, saying: “We extend our condolences to the family of the @NigAirForce personnel involved in Sunday’s fatal crash of the military aircraft Beechcraft KingAir B350i at the Abuja airport. May their souls Rest in Peace.”
Many Nigerians also expressed sadness at the occurrence on Twitter, as they sought for an urgent investigation into the crash.
