Nigerian Air Force Surveillance Aircraft Crashes In Abuja
A Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft King Air 350i Surveillance Aircraft has crashed in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The Nigerian Air Force spokesperson in a tweet on Sunday evening said a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure en-route Minna.
“First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation shared similar information earlier in the day, he said the twin-turboprop surveillance aircraft crashed after takeoff from the Abuja International Airport en route Minna, Niger State capital.
“A military aircraft King Air 350, has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure en-route Minna. It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any,” Sirika wrote on Twitter.
Nigerian Air Force operates about four or five Beechcraft King Air 350i aircraft, delivered in August 2014.
One was transferred from the presidential air fleet in 2015.
The aircraft, alongside others, is used for intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance missions across the country.
It’s unclear if the aircraft was heading to Niger State as part of surveillance support to rescue school children abducted in Kagara or conduct a transport-logistics mission.
In September 2018, Nigerian Air Force FT-7NI and F-7NI conducting aerial display rehearsal collided midair over Abuja, forcing the pilots to eject. However, one pilot died.
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