Challenger jet loses door after Abuja takeoff, returns safely

A Bombardier Challenger CL60 business jet lost a cabin door in flight shortly after leaving Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, according to an account of the incident. The aircraft, registration T7-SEI, was flying under the identification DWC052 and was bound for Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

It departed Runway 22 at about 4:17 p.m. UTC. About three nautical miles from the airport and climbing through 3,000 feet, a cabin door separated from the jet. At 4:20 p.m. UTC the crew sent a MAYDAY call, citing the risk of rapid decompression and structural damage.

Air traffic control vectored the aircraft back toward Abuja, and the airport's fire watch room and medical teams were placed on standby. The flight landed safely. No casualties were reported, though the number of passengers and crew on board has not been officially confirmed.

Local farmers later found the missing door on farmland on the outskirts of Abuja. Photos and video of the recovered component circulated on social media. Authorities have opened an investigation.