A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed on Sunday while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna.
All seven Air Force personnel on board died in the crash.
The jet crashed around the Abuja airport runway.
The plane departed Abuja airport at 10: 33 am for Minna which is just 15 minutes flight.
It was learned it crashed shortly after takeoff.
The aircraft was said to have reported engine failure at 10:39 am and crash-landed on the final approach path of Abuja Runway 22 at time 1048UTC.
A tweet by the Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika reads: “A military aircraft Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure en-route Minna. It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm and wait for the outcome of the military investigation by the military while we pray for the departed souls, if any”
Fire services personnel were seen at the scene of the accident.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, Isiaka Amoo, has ordered an immediate investigation into the crash.
While confirming the tragedy, the Force said all seven on board of the plane died in the crash.
It said: “This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all seven personnel on board died in the crash”.
Officers involved in the crash included
Flt Lt Gazama, Flt Lt Piyo, Flg Offr Okpara, FS Olawumi, ACM Johnson, Sgt Oluka.
