History of the Flight
On 16 December 2025, a Cessna 172E aircraft, registration 5N-ASR, operated by Skypower Express Airways Nigeria Limited, was conducting a positioning flight from Hassan Usman Katsina International Airport (DNKA) to Obafemi Jerimiah Awolowo International Airport (DNPO) under a Visual Flight Rules flight plan for banner towing operations. The aircraft carried four persons: two flight crew (a captain as pilot flying and a co-pilot as pilot monitoring) and two passengers who were company representatives. Fuel endurance was 4 hours 30 minutes. The flight departed DNKA at approximately 16:17 h.
During the flight, the crew reported being vectored by Air Traffic Control to avoid a prohibited zone, then returned to their original track. About 50 nautical miles from DNPO, the aircraft was vectored to intercept radials. While executing this maneuver, the crew experienced a sudden loss of engine power and declared an emergency to Port Harcourt Approach. The crew was instructed to contact Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (DNIM) in Owerri.
At approximately 19:56 h, the aircraft contacted Owerri Tower, reporting a technical issue and intention to land. The tower cleared them to land. After being informed that another aircraft was on approach, the crew performed an S-pattern in the air to delay. At 20:00 h, the tower provided weather information: wind calm, visibility 8 km, few clouds at 330 m, QNH 1009. The crew requested runway in use and were advised Runway 17. Landing clearance was given at about 20:02 h.
Shortly thereafter, the pilot of the other aircraft reported seeing 5N-ASR approaching beyond the red lights and requested fire services. The tower lost contact with 5N-ASR. Rescue operations commenced at 20:14 h; occupants were evacuated through the right-side cabin door.
Injuries
The two flight crew sustained no injuries. The two passengers sustained serious injuries.
Damage to Aircraft
The aircraft was substantially damaged. Nine approach lights on the approach path of Runway 17 were also damaged.
Personnel Information
The captain, aged 57, held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence and had 5,100 total flying hours, with 505 hours on type. The co-pilot, aged 37, held a Commercial Pilot Licence and had 543 total flying hours, with 241 hours on type.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft, a Cessna 172E (serial number FR172-00366), was manufactured in 1968 by REIMS Aviation S.A. under license from Cessna. It was powered by a Continental IO-360D9B engine (serial number 1006247, manufactured 2012, time since new 1,049 hours) and a McCauley propeller (time since overhaul 1,049:28 hours). The aircraft had an airframe time of 2,381 hours and 3,412 cycles. A test flight lasting 35 minutes was recorded in the Techlog on 15 December 2025.
Meteorological Information
Meteorological conditions at DNIM at the time included calm wind, visibility 8 km, no significant weather, few clouds at 330 m, temperature 29°C, and QNH 1009 hPa.
Other Information
The accident occurred at night in visual meteorological conditions. Navigational aids at the airport: VOR/DME was serviceable; ILS/DME and LLWAS were unserviceable. All relevant communication frequencies were serviceable. The investigation is ongoing.