The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an on-site investigation into the Ilorin Aircraft Crash, crash-landing of a Diamond DA40 training aircraft at Ilorin International Airport, operated by the Aviation Training School.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:28 pm on Thursday, 23 May 2025, during a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05. According to preliminary details released by the Bureau, the aircraft veered off the runway and came to a halt on the grass verge beside the tarmac.
In a statement issued on Friday, NSIB confirmed that both occupants of the aircraft sustained injuries but were promptly evacuated to a medical facility. They are said to be conscious, coherent, and receiving proper medical attention.
Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., visited the site on Friday to oversee the Bureau’s initial investigative activities. He disclosed that the aircraft’s data card critical for retrieving flight information had been recovered and was undergoing analysis at the NSIB’s transport safety laboratory in Abuja.
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“This data will help us piece together the sequence of events leading up to the accident,” Captain Badeh said, while assuring the public of a thorough and transparent investigation.
The NSIB further pledged to release a preliminary report within 30 days, in line with international best practices, and reiterated its commitment to advancing air safety in Nigeria through detailed investigations and preventive recommendations.
