A training aircraft veered off the runway at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin, Kwara state, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The incident occurred on Saturday at 18:31 local time. The Diamond DA42 aircraft, registered as 5N-BNI, was being used for training purposes and had two passengers on board.

FAAN reported that the aircraft landed but subsequently veered off Runway 05, eventually stopping on the grass area. Both occupants were evacuated to a medical facility and are reported to be stable and responding to treatment. The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has conducted preliminary assessments, and the aircraft has been recovered to the International Aviation College premises. Operations at the airport have returned to normal.

In a separate statement, the Director of Public Affairs of the NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, stated that the incident occurred at 17:28 hours during a simulated instrument approach on Runway 05. The NSIB Go-Team was dispatched from Abuja to Ilorin to conduct an on-site investigation. The Director General of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., emphasized the importance of a thorough, independent, and professional investigation to enhance aviation safety in Nigeria.

The Kwara State government expressed relief that the accident was not fatal. Commissioner for Tertiary Education in Kwara State, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu, commended the swift response of the college authorities and medical personnel. She assured the public that a full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident and implement preventive measures. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq extended his best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured individuals.

The Rector of the College, Captain Yakubu Okatahi, provided additional details, stating that the instructor was on a routine training flight when the accident occurred during landing. He confirmed that both the pilot and instructor underwent CT scans and MRIs and are in stable condition. Engineers from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have also inspected the site and confirmed that the situation is under control. The investigation is complete, and the official report is pending.

In 2023, the federal government named 15 airports after prominent Nigerians, including the late Tunde Idiagbon, who served as the chief of staff supreme headquarters under President Muhammadu Buhari from 1983 to 1985.