8 persons feared killed as military plane crashes in Abuja, see video

 

ABUJA, Nigeria – A military aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF201) early today crash-landed near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The plane,  a B350, which was conveying 6 persons including 2 crew members departed Abuja at about 10:33 AM  en route Minna. Watch the plane burst into flames HERE

We gathered that the plane belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF201), a B350 aircraft developed engine failure mid way but crash-landed  while  returning  to Runway 22,Abuja International Airport at 10:48 UTC.

Minister for Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika who twitted about the development said the incident appeared to be fatal but that Nigerians should wait for outcome of the investigation.

“A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. It appears to be fatal.

“We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any”, he said.

An eye witness, Imoleayo Michael who watched the plane descend from the air described the  pilot as a hero for not allowing the plane to crash into residential area. “The pilot is a hero!  This aircraft should have crashed into the residential area but we watched him maneuver into a free bush to crash”, he said.