Skypower Express Cessna 172 Crashes at Owerri Airport, Triggering Emergency Response and Safety Probe
A light aircraft operated by Skypower Express was involved in an accident on Tuesday evening at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, triggering a swift emergency response and renewed attention to aviation safety at regional airports.
The aircraft, identified as a Cessna 172, reportedly crashed shortly after arriving at the airport under circumstances that were still being investigated as of Wednesday morning. Airport emergency responders, including fire and rescue teams, were immediately deployed to the scene to secure the area and prevent further hazards, according to airport officials familiar with the incident.
Eyewitnesses at the airport described a tense scene as emergency sirens sounded and responders cordoned off part of the runway. One airport worker, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the aircraft appeared to experience difficulty moments before the crash, though officials cautioned that such accounts remain unverified pending a formal investigation.
Authorities confirmed that emergency protocols were activated within minutes of the incident, ensuring that fire suppression units and medical personnel were on standby, according to a statement released by airport management. The quick response, officials noted, helped prevent the situation from escalating and ensured the safety of other airport users at the time.
While details about the number of occupants on board and the extent of injuries were not immediately disclosed, aviation sources said there were no reports of fatalities as of Tuesday night, according to preliminary briefings shared with local media. Officials emphasized that verified information would be released only after proper assessments had been completed.
The Nigerian aviation authorities have since launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with inspectors expected to examine the aircraft’s maintenance records, pilot credentials, and prevailing weather conditions at the time of the incident, according to regulatory officials. Investigators are also expected to review air traffic communications and runway conditions as part of standard procedure.
Operations at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport were temporarily adjusted following the incident, with some flights experiencing brief delays as safety checks were carried out, according to airport management. Normal operations were gradually restored after officials confirmed that the affected area had been secured.
The crash has once again raised concerns about aircraft safety and oversight within Nigeria’s aviation sector. Aviation analysts say incidents involving light aircraft, while relatively rare, underscore the importance of strict compliance with safety standards and continuous monitoring, according to industry observers.
As investigations continue, authorities have assured the public that findings will be made available once concluded, reinforcing commitments to transparency and passenger safety across the country’s airspace.

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