Aircraft Loses Door Minutes After Take-Off From Abuja, Makes Emergency Landing

A CL60 aircraft operated by Triton Aviation has made an emergency landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after losing a door shortly after take-off for Lagos.

The aircraft, with registration number T7-SEI, departed Abuja for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 4:17 p.m. on Thursday.

According to a serious incident report, the aircraft was about three nautical miles from the airport and flying at an altitude of 3,000 feet when its crew issued a “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY” distress call at 4:20 p.m.

The crew reported that a door had opened in flight, prompting air traffic controllers to direct the aircraft back to Abuja for an emergency landing on Runway 22.

The report stated that the airport’s fire service and medical team were alerted and placed on standby as a precautionary measure.

At 4:29 p.m., the crew contacted Abuja Tower and asked air traffic controllers whether they could see the open door.

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The duty air traffic controller attempted to inspect the aircraft using binoculars but could not confirm the door’s condition because of the aircraft’s position. The crew was subsequently informed.

The aircraft landed safely on Runway 22 at 4:34 p.m.

Following the landing, the report said the aircraft’s missing door became visible to the duty air traffic controller. The aircraft was then taxied to the international apron extension, where it was parked with the assistance of a marshaller.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident, saying investigators had been deployed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the occurrence.

“Yes, it happened. The investigators are there. We will be releasing an official statement shortly,” the NSIB media team said.

Further details about the incident and the circumstances surrounding the loss of the aircraft’s door are expected from the bureau.

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