NSIB begins probe as aircraft loses door mid-air

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into a foreign-registered Challenger 604 aircraft operated by Triton Aviation that experienced a door detachment mid-air during a flight from Abuja to Lagos. The aircraft, registered under the name T7-SEI, departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 16:12 UTC on Thursday.

Approximately three nautical miles from the airport and at an altitude of 3,500 feet, the crew declared a "Mayday" call after the door separated from the aircraft.

The NSIB disclosed this information in a statement to The PUNCH on Friday. According to the statement, the aircraft managed to return to Abuja and landed safely on Runway 22 at 16:34 UTC, carrying a total of nine passengers and crew members - three crew members and six passengers. The missing door was recovered and secured at the NSIB's wreckage hangar. The bureau has subsequently initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The statement, signed by the NSIB's Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Alex Badeh Jr, confirmed that the agency is fully committed to establishing the facts. Meanwhile, eyewitness reports indicate that the incident prompted an emergency response at Abuja airport, with fire and rescue personnel and medical teams on standby prior to the aircraft's safe landing.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had earlier validated the incident, stating that the NSIB's investigation is the appropriate authority for this matter. The bureau further stated that they will provide additional updates as the investigation unfolds.