A private jet operated by Triton Aviation made an emergency landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday after reportedly losing a door shortly after take-off.
The CL60 aircraft, with registration number T7-SEI and flight identification DWC052, was scheduled to fly from Abuja to the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos when the incident occurred at about 4:20 p.m.
An incident report obtained by our correspondent showed that the crew alerted air traffic control that a door had opened in flight, prompting controllers to direct the aircraft back to Abuja for an emergency landing.
According to the report, the aircraft departed Runway 22 at 4:17 p.m. UTC. It was approximately three nautical miles from the airport and climbing through 3,000 feet when the crew issued a distress call.
“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday,” the crew transmitted, declaring an emergency.
Following the distress call, airport fire and emergency personnel, alongside medical teams, were alerted and placed on standby. Fire and rescue teams were also directed to designated positions to prepare for the aircraft’s return.
Air Traffic Controller Could Not Confirm Door’s Condition
The incident report stated that at about 4:29 p.m. UTC, while communicating with the Abuja control tower, the crew asked whether controllers could confirm if the door was open.
The duty air traffic controller attempted to observe the aircraft with binoculars but could not establish the door’s condition because of the aircraft’s position.
“The duty air traffic controller attempted to observe the aircraft using binoculars, but could not establish the door’s condition because of the aircraft’s position. The crew was subsequently informed that the controller could not confirm the situation visually,” the report stated.
The aircraft eventually landed safely on Runway 22 at approximately 4:34 p.m. UTC, about 14 minutes after the Mayday call.
After the landing, the duty controller observed that the aircraft’s door was missing from the fuselage, confirming the seriousness of the incident.
The jet was subsequently taxied to the international apron extension and parked with the assistance of a marshaller.
Missing Aircraft Door Found On Farm
A video obtained by The PUNCH reportedly showed the missing door after farmers found it on a farm in the Abuja area.
In the video, a man whose identity could not be established said the farmers discovered the object while returning from their farm.
“This is what we found as we were returning from our farm. It fell from a plane, but we don’t know much about its identity. As I am sending it to you, sir, just check it,” the man said.
The number of passengers aboard the aircraft had not been confirmed as of the time of reporting.
NCAA Confirms Incident As NSIB Investigates
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, confirmed the incident but said the authority could not comment because the matter fell under the purview of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.
Although the NSIB had not issued an immediate public statement, a source familiar with the matter said the bureau’s management had deployed investigators and would provide an official update.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the door’s opening and separation from the aircraft, as well as any relevant safety implications.
Triton Aviation, the aircraft’s operator, could not be reached for comment as of the time of filing this report.
The aircraft’s safe return prevented a more serious outcome, but the incident raises questions about the circumstances that led to the door separating from the fuselage. The findings of the aviation safety investigation are expected to provide further clarity.
