How Skypower Aircraft En Route To Port Harcourt Crashed At Owerri Airport After Mid-Air Emergency

A chartered aircraft operated by Skypower Express on Tuesday night, December 16, 2025, crash-landed at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, following an in-flight emergency, with no fatalities recorded.

The aircraft, a Cessna 172 bearing registration number 5N-ASR and call sign ASR, was en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the flight crew declared an emergency mid-air, prompting an unscheduled diversion to Owerri.

According to available reports, the aircraft made the crash landing at about 8:00 p.m. local time at the threshold and approach area of Runway 17 at the Owerri airport.

Confirming the incident, the Imo State Police Command, through its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, stated that the aircraft encountered difficulties during landing, which resulted in the crash landing. He added that relevant aviation and security authorities were immediately alerted, while further details could be obtained from the Police Airport Public Relations Liaison Officer.

In a separate official statement, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that four persons were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident and that no casualties were recorded.

The Bureau disclosed that airport emergency services were swiftly activated and responded promptly to the scene. It further noted that there was no post-crash fire, and flight operations at the airport were not disrupted, as the runway remained operational with other aircraft departing safely after the incident.

The NSIB also revealed that arrangements are ongoing to recover and evacuate the distressed aircraft from the crash site to facilitate a comprehensive wreckage examination.

Reacting to the development, the Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed relief over the absence of fatalities.

“We express our deepest sympathies to the management of Skypower Express and are glad that no fatalities have been reported so far. The NSIB has activated its protocols, and our team is already coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the site,” he said.

The Bureau confirmed that a full-scale investigation has commenced in line with its statutory mandate and assured the public that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

The statement was signed by Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.