Sunday, 23 May 2021

Third military plane crashes in 3 months,

Lieutenant-General Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) was killed in a military plane crash on Friday near Kaduna Airport (KAD/DNKA) in Kaduna State. This crash is the third crash in about three months since the assumption of office by the new service chiefs. A terse statement by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Friday night has confirmed that the crash occurred around Kaduna International Airport on Friday evening. Mr Attahiru was appointed chief of army staff on the 26th January succeeding Tukur Buratai. He was 54.

Mr Attahiru was killed alongside other military chiefs who were on the same flight, sources said. The presidency has already been briefed about the development. The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. 

Although the NAF was yet to release details of the crash and identity of all those onboard the aircraft, sources disclosed that the COAS and about eight of his aides were involved in the crash.

Aircraft Information
Owner / Operator: Nigerian Air Force (NAF)
Aircraft: Beechcraft B300 King Air 350i
Registration: NAF203




This crash is third crash, since the new Service chiefs assumed office in February, 2021.

The first crash occurred on the 31st March in Abba-Jille in Konduga LGA, Borno state, The  Alpha Jet was reported missing on the 31st March 2021. Extensive search operations were conducted. On the 1st  April 2021 the wreckage of the missing fighter jet was located. The fate of the two pilots is unknown but classed as missing.

Aircraft Information
Owner/Operator: Nigerian Air Force (NAF)
Type: Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet A
Registration: NAF475
Serial Number: 0042

The second crash occurred on the 22nd February near Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft B300 King Air 350 airplane was destroyed when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff following a reported loss of engine power near Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV/DNAA), Abuja, Nigeria. The aircraft crashed on the final approach path of Abuja Airport runway 22. All seven people onboard perished.

Aircraft Information
Owner/Operator: Nigerian Air Force - NAF
Beechcraft B300 King Air 350
Registration: NAF201
Serial Number: FL-585



No comments:

Post a Comment