Military Plane Crash: How Pilot Maneuvered Aircraft That Killed All Onboard

Facts have emerged on how the pilot of the yet-to-be identified plane struggled and maneuver the plane from densely populated area to a free bush to crash.

According to eyewitness account, the plane believed to be a chartered flight was initially seen to be heading in the direction of a residential area, but was manoeuvred into a bushy area.

Residents say they saw the plane struggling on air ostensibly the pilot trying to maneuver it from the densely populated area before it crashed and reportedly killed all onboard.

Sources said that all onboard the aircraft, which caught fire on crashing, are feared dead.

The plane crashed close to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

One of those at the scene of the incident, Imoleayo Michael, tweeted on his Twitter handle: “The pilot is a hero!

“This aircraft should have crashed into the residential area but we watched him maneuver into a free bush to crash.”

Confirming the incident on Sunday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola stated that the Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna.

Vice Marshal Daramola further stated that first responders were already at the scene, adding that all seven personnel on board died in the crash.

According to the NAF spokesman’s statement published on Twitter, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao has ordered an immediate investigation into the accident. 

While urging the general public to remain calm and await the outcome of the investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all Nigerian Air Force personnel, commiserated with the families of the deceased.

Also, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has confirmed the crash of a plane in Abuja.

The Minister made the confirmation on his Twitter handle. Sirika said the plane was a military aircraft, King Air 350.

He tweeted: “A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute 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.”