Aircraft loses door mid-air, makes emergency landing in Abuja

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has recovered a door that had detached from a private jet moments after its take-off from Abuja, as investigators launch an inquiry into the incident. The aircraft, a Challenger 604 business jet with registration number T7-SEI, was operated by Triton and was en route from Abuja to Lagos when the mishap occurred.

According to the report, the jet lifted off at 16:12 UTC. Approximately three nautical miles away from the airport and cruising at 3,500 feet altitude, the crew raised a mayday call after the aircraft's door separated from the plane. The pilots promptly reversed course and made a safe landing on Runway 22 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 16:34 UTC.

The passenger manifest comprised nine individuals, including three crew members and six passengers. Captain Alex Badeh Jr, NSIB's Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, confirmed that the absent door had been located and that the investigation had commenced. "The door has been recovered and secured at the NSIB wreckage hangar.

The Bureau has begun its investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the occurrence. NSIB will furnish further updates as the investigation advances," Badeh stated. The bureau aims to uncover the reasons behind the door's separation from the aircraft during the flight. They will explore what transpired prior to the crew's emergency declaration and pinpoint any factors that might have contributed to the incident. The NSIB pledged to release further information as their investigation unfolds.