The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced investigation into an incident involving a Hawker 800XP aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-ISB at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano State.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, on Sunday in Abuja.
She said the aircraft, operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited, departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Sunday at approximately 09:20 hours local time, as a non-scheduled domestic passenger flight bound for Kano.
“There were eight persons on board, comprising two cockpit crew members, one cabin crew member, and five passengers.
“During the approach phase into Kano, the flight crew reported a landing gear indication anomaly and requested multiple low passes over the runway to allow air traffic controllers to visually confirm the landing gear position.
“Kano Tower confirmed on each low pass that all three landing gears appeared fully extended. The aircraft subsequently positioned for landing on Runway 06 and touched down at about 10:34 hours local time,” she said.
According to her, during the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed. All eight persons on board disembarked safely, with no injuries reported. She said NSIB activated its Go-Team upon notification.
She added that NSIB investigators would examine the aircraft systems, operational procedures, maintenance records, and crew actions to determine the circumstances that led to the occurrence.
“The bureau wishes to assure the public that this investigation is not conducted to apportion blame or liability, but to identify safety issues and prevent future occurrences. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” she said.
NSIB is a multimodal transport agency charged with promoting transport safety. It conducts objective, comprehensive and accurate investigations into transport accidents and incidents in Nigeria.
The aim of such investigations is to identify probable causes and advocate for safety improvements based on findings.
