History of the Flight
The flight was a positioning flight from Hassan Usman Katsina International Airport (DNKA), Kaduna, to Obafemi Jerimiah Awolowo International Airport (DNPO), Port Harcourt, for banner towing operations. The aircraft, a Cessna 172E with registration 5N-ASR, was operated by Skypower Express Airways Nigeria Limited. Onboard were two flight crew and two passengers (company representatives). Fuel endurance was 4 hours 30 minutes. The captain was the pilot flying, and the co-pilot was the pilot monitoring.
Departure from Kaduna occurred at about 16:17 h local time. During the flight, the crew reported being vectored by air traffic control to avoid a prohibited zone. While approximately 50 nautical miles from Port Harcourt, the crew reported a sudden loss of engine power and declared an emergency. They were instructed to contact Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (DNIM), Owerri.
At about 19:56 h, the crew contacted Owerri Tower, reporting a technical issue and intention to land. The controller cleared the aircraft to Owerri and provided weather information: calm wind, visibility 8 km, few clouds at 330 m, QNH 1009 hPa. The crew requested the active runway and were told Runway 17 in use.
While on approach, the crew sighted another aircraft landing and performed S-pattern maneuvers to delay. They reported engine vibration. The tower cleared them to land. Shortly after landing clearance, the crew became unresponsive. The pilot of the other aircraft reported seeing the aircraft beyond the approach lights and requested emergency services. Rescue services arrived at 20:14 h and extracted the occupants through the right-side cabin door.
Injuries
The two flight crew sustained no injuries. The two passengers sustained serious injuries. No fatalities or minor injuries were reported.
Damage to Aircraft and Other Property
The aircraft was substantially damaged. Nine approach lights on the approach path of Runway 17 were damaged.
Meteorological Information
The accident occurred at night in visual meteorological conditions. Surface wind was calm, visibility 8 km, few clouds at 330 m, temperature 28°C, dew point 24°C, QNH 1010 hPa at the time of the occurrence.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 172E, serial number FR172-00366, 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 in 2012 with 1,049 hours since new. The propeller was a McCauley, time since overhaul 1,049 hours. The airframe had 2,381 hours total time. A Garmin Aera 660 GPS was installed. A test flight of 35 minutes was conducted on 15 December 2025.
Personnel Information
The captain, age 57, held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence, with 5,100 total flying hours, including 505 hours on type. The co-pilot, age 37, held a Commercial Pilot Licence, with 543 total flying hours, including 241 hours on type.
Ongoing Investigation
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is conducting the investigation. This preliminary report does not constitute a final determination of cause.