Air force trainer plane crashes in Makurdi

Air force trainer plane crashes in Makurdi

A trainer aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Friday crashed in Makurdi, Benue State.

NAF spokesperson, Edward Gabkwet, said in a statement that the trainer aircraft came down during routine training.

Chief of Air Staff, Hassan Abubakar, has set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the causes of the crash.

Gabkwet said no death was recorded but two pilots who were on board are currently receiving treatment at the NAF base hospital in Markurdi.

The statement read, “A Nigerian Air Force FT-7NI trainer aircraft crashed today, 14 July 2023 at about 4.15 pm at Makurdi, Benue state, while on a routine training exercise.

“Luckily the two pilots on board survived the crash after successfully ejecting from the aircraft. Additionally, there was no loss of lives or damage to any property around the area of impact.

“Both pilots are currently under observation at NAF Base Hospital, Makurdi.”