A private jet operated by Triton Aviation was forced to make an emergency landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday after its door reportedly detached shortly after take-off.
The incident involved a Bombardier Challenger 600 aircraft, with registration number T7-SEI, operating flight DWC052 from Abuja to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
An official incident report indicated that the aircraft departed Runway 22 at about 4:17 p.m. UTC.
Barely three nautical miles from the airport, while climbing through 3,000 feet, the crew declared an emergency, transmitting the distress call, “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday,” to Air Traffic Control.
The crew reported that an aircraft door had blown open, prompting air traffic controllers to direct the jet back to Abuja for an emergency landing.
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Airport emergency response teams, including firefighters and medical personnel were immediately mobilised and positioned at designated points along the airfield in preparation for the aircraft’s return.
The report further indicated that at about 4:29 p.m. UTC, the crew asked the control tower to confirm whether the door was open.
However, the duty air traffic controller, who attempted to observe the aircraft with binoculars could not establish the door’s condition because of the aircraft’s position.
The aircraft subsequently returned to the airport, while ground personnel assessed the situation.
Meanwhile, farmers reportedly recovered the detached door in a bush on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory. A video circulating online showed the farmers examining the door after discovering it on their farmland.
In the accompanying audio, an unidentified man said the item was found while they were returning from their farm, adding that they suspected it had fallen from an aircraft.
As of the time of filing in this report, the number of passengers and crew members on board had not been confirmed, while Triton Aviation was yet to issue an official statement.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, confirmed the incident but declined further comment, stating that the relevant safety investigation bureau had the authority to investigate the occurrence.
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Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie
