Data Card Recovered As NSIB Begins Onsite Investigation Into Ilorin Crash-Landing

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has begun an on-site investigation into the crash-landing of a Diamond training aircraft operated by the Aviation Training School and has recovered the aircraft data card.

The incident occurred at 17:28 local time on May 23, 2025, during a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05 at General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin.

NSIB Director General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., visited the crash site today, May 24, 2025, to assess the situation and oversee the initial phase of the investigation. He confirmed that the aircraft’s data card has been recovered and that analysis has commenced.

“Our investigators are on ground and have begun work in earnest. The damaged aircraft is positioned on the left side of the runway, and recovery operations are nearly complete. Four of our specialists will remain at the site to complete critical measurements before returning to Abuja,” said Capt. Badeh Jr.

The data card will be analyzed at NSIB’s transport safety laboratory to support the Bureau’s findings and inform safety recommendations. A preliminary report will be released within 30 days.

Capt. Badeh Jr. emphasized the Bureau’s commitment to a thorough and transparent process:

“Our job is to determine what happened, to whom it happened, how it happened, and most importantly, how to prevent it from happening again.”

He also confirmed that both occupants of the aircraft are conscious and coherent. One has undergone an MRI scan, and both are receiving appropriate medical care.

“They are conscious, coherent, and in stable condition,” he said.

Capt. Badeh Jr. assured the public that the country’s airspace remains safe. NSIB will provide further updates as the investigation progresses.