…… alleged armed bandits riddle aircraft bullets, set ablaze
The Accident Investigation Bureau AIB says it has informed of the incident involving one of the training aircraft belonging to the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, Zaria which occurred Friday 1st March, 2019.
The pilot of the Tampico B9 according to the college successfully made a forced-landing about 7nautical miles north-west of Kaduna airport with both occupants unhurt.
“The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Zaria, regrettably announces an accident, involving one of its TB-9 aircraft yesterday afternoon. The pilot made a successful forced-landing about 7nm north-west of Kaduna airport. Both occupants were unhurt & have since returned to Base. The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has been notified, in line with standard practice”.
The AIB in a statement signed by its spokesperson Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, the aircraft was on a Test Flight being conducted by a Pilot and an Engineer but had to force land at 14:40 as a result of an engine failure.
There was no fatality after the forced landing.
“On 1st March, 2019 AIB was notified of an accident of a Tampico (TB9)aircraft with Nationality and Registration marks 5N-CBP at Rumi forest, Sabon Birni,Birnin Gwari LGA, Kaduna State”.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed report revealed that the forced landing led to a major drama when alleged armed bandits mistaken the aircraft as belonging to the Nigerian Air Force riddled the distressed aircraft with bullets and set it on fire.
Officials of NAF, NPF and Management of the college are reported to have visited the scene of the incident to ascertain the extent of damage.
