Bird Strike Suspected in Skypower Cessna Crash-Landing at Owerri Airport

A Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Skypower Express Airways crash-landed at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, on Tuesday evening, December 16, 2025, prompting the hospitalization of four passengers.

The incident occurred around 5:30 PM as the single-engine plane, registered as 5N-BMM, approached the runway after a short flight from Anambra Airport in Umueri. Preliminary reports point to a bird strike that compromised the landing gear, forcing the pilot to execute an emergency belly landing. Eyewitnesses described the aircraft skidding along the runway before coming to a halt, with no fire or explosion reported.

Five people were aboard: the pilot and four passengers. All survived, though the four passengers—whose conditions remain undisclosed—were promptly evacuated and rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The pilot escaped with minor injuries and is said to be stable.

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The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the accident late Tuesday in an official statement signed by Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance. “The bureau is aware of the occurrence involving a Cessna 172 aircraft with registration marks 5N-BMM at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri,” the statement read. “A team of investigators has been deployed to the site, and a preliminary report will be released in due course.”

This marks another aviation scare in Nigeria’s domestic airspace amid ongoing concerns over wildlife hazards at airports and the maintenance of aging aircraft fleets. Skypower Express, a Lagos-based charter operator, has not yet issued a public comment. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reported no disruptions to other flights, as the runway was cleared swiftly.

Aviation experts have called for enhanced bird control measures at regional airports like Owerri, which handles both passenger and cargo traffic. The NSIB probe will examine factors including weather, mechanical issues, and pilot response.

Further updates are expected as investigations unfold.