NSIB Presents Report On Air Crash Involving Minister, Blames Airline For Violating Permit Regulation

A preliminary investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has revealed that the plane crash involving Flints Aero conveying the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, from Abuja to Ibadan, Oyo State capital in November violated the permit regulation of non-commercial flight.

The outcome of the preliminary investigation, according to the Bureau’s spokesperson, Tunji Oketunbi, showed that Flint Aero had been issued a permit for non-commercial flight which disallows the aircraft to carry passengers, cargo or mail for hire or reward.

The NSIB amongst other recommendations called on the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to strictly ensure airport operational hours as published in the relevant aeronautical information publication and not permit extensions beyond the airport limitations.

The report released on Monday came about a month after the incident happened. The NSIB had promised to probe the incident, though there was no loss of life in the incident.

Though the NSIB had in a statement confirmed that the Minister and others escaped death, it had stated that “The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been notified and commenced investigation into an accident involving an HS 125 aircraft with Nationality and Registration Marks 5N-AMM belonging to Flint Aero, which occurred at about 08:21pm (Local Time) on 3rd November, 2023.

“The aircraft, with 10 passengers and 3 crew members onboard was en-route Ibadan from Abuja.

“The aircraft, on final approach to landing Runway 22, Ibadan Airport crashed short of the runway. There was no fatality, as all passengers and crew were safely evacuated.”