There was panic at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday after a private jet operated by Triton Aviation lost one of its doors shortly after taking off, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency return.
The aircraft, identified as a Bombardier Challenger CL60 business jet, had just departed Abuja and was heading to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos when the alarming incident occurred.
Sources at the airport disclosed that the jet had barely climbed to about 3,000 feet when the crew discovered that a door had detached from the aircraft while airborne.
The development reportedly caused tension inside the cockpit, prompting the crew to immediately declare an emergency in order to alert air traffic controllers and ground rescue teams.
It was gathered that the pilot made a Mayday distress call while still climbing, informing the control tower of the technical failure and requesting immediate clearance to return to Abuja.
Following the distress call, air traffic controllers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport promptly responded and directed the aircraft back to Abuja for an emergency landing.
The aircraft was given priority landing as controllers cleared the airspace and put all necessary protocols in place to ensure its safe return to the airport.
As part of emergency procedures, the airport’s fire and rescue teams as well as medical personnel were immediately placed on standby in anticipation of any eventuality.
The emergency response teams were strategically positioned along the runway, ready to respond swiftly in case the situation worsened during landing.
Eyewitnesses at the airport said there was heightened anxiety among aviation workers and passengers after the Mayday call was announced and emergency sirens were activated.
However, there was a huge sigh of relief when the private jet successfully returned to Abuja and landed safely without any injury to the crew members on board.
Airport authorities confirmed that no life was lost and no further damage was recorded after the aircraft touched down, as the pilot demonstrated high level of professionalism in handling the emergency.
It was further gathered that the missing door, which detached from the aircraft shortly after takeoff, was later found by farmers on farmland within the Federal Capital Territory.
According to sources, the farmers stumbled upon the aircraft part while working on their farmland and immediately alerted authorities about the discovery.
The part was said to have fallen off within the city, raising concerns about the potential danger it could have posed to residents and property on the ground.
Aviation experts noted that if the door had fallen in a densely populated area, it could have caused serious damage or casualties, describing the incident as a serious safety breach.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has confirmed the incident, saying it was aware of the emergency return of the Triton Aviation jet.
The regulatory authority, however, declined to give detailed comments on the matter, stating that further information and technical investigation would be handled by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.
Similarly, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, also confirmed the occurrence, assuring the public that it has commenced investigation into the incident.
The Bureau said it has deployed its team of investigators to the site to gather necessary evidence, inspect the aircraft and interview the crew members.
NSIB explained that the investigation will focus on determining the circumstances that led to the door detachment and to make appropriate safety recommendations to prevent a recurrence.
The Bureau reiterated its commitment to ensuring the highest level of safety in Nigeria’s aviation sector, urging the public to remain calm as investigation progresses.
It added that a preliminary report will be released in due course, while a comprehensive final report will be made public after the conclusion of its investigation.
