…….NSIB Launches Probe into Flybird Hawker 800XP Nose Gear Collapse at Kano Airport
A private jet operated by Flybird crash-landed on Sunday morning at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), triggering moments of panic but ending without loss of life as all passengers and crew were safely evacuated.
The aircraft, which departed Abuja en route to Kano, touched down at about 9:30 a.m. with eight passengers and three crew members on board. Eyewitnesses said the jet encountered difficulties upon landing, forcing an emergency crash-landing on the runway.
Despite the frightening incident, airport emergency services responded swiftly. Firefighters, security personnel and medical teams were immediately deployed to the scene, ensuring a coordinated evacuation of all occupants. No fatalities or serious injuries were reported, according to preliminary accounts.
The affected section of the airport was quickly secured to prevent further risks, while operations were temporarily adjusted as authorities assessed the situation. Aviation officials have since commenced investigations to determine the cause of the crash-landing, with findings expected to guide safety reviews and possible regulatory actions.
Flybird, the operator of the private jet, is yet to issue an official statement as of the time of filing this report. Regulators are also expected to release updates on the condition of the aircraft and the well-being of those on board.
The incident has once again drawn attention to aviation safety and emergency preparedness in Nigeria. While the outcome was fortunate, the episode serves as a stark reminder of how swiftly routine air travel can turn into crisis, and how critical rapid emergency response is in preventing tragedy.
A Flybird-operated private jet crash-landed at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on Sunday, but all 11 passengers and crew were safely evacuated, highlighting swift emergency response and ongoing aviation safety concerns in Nigeria.
According to the update report, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into an incident involving a Hawker 800XP private jet operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited, following the collapse of its nose landing gear at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano State.
The aircraft, with nationality and registration marks 5N-ISB, departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at about 9:20 a.m., operating as a non-scheduled domestic passenger flight to Kano.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, the Bureau disclosed that eight persons were on board the aircraft, comprising two cockpit crew members, one cabin crew member, and five passengers.
According to the statement, the incident began during the aircraft’s approach into Kano when the flight crew observed an anomaly in the landing gear indication system. The pilots subsequently requested multiple low passes over the runway to enable air traffic controllers visually confirm the position of the landing gear.
“Kano Tower confirmed on each low pass that all three landing gears appeared fully extended,” the statement said.
Following the confirmation, the aircraft was cleared to land on Runway 06 and touched down at approximately 10:34 a.m. local time. However, during the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed, bringing the aircraft to a halt on the runway.
All occupants were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
The NSIB noted that it has opened a full safety investigation in line with international aviation standards. The Bureau said the investigation would focus on identifying the probable cause of the incident and issuing safety recommendations aimed at preventing a recurrence.
The agency reaffirmed that its investigations are conducted solely in the interest of aviation safety and not to apportion blame, adding that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has launched an investigation into a Flybird-operated Hawker 800XP private jet after its nose landing gear collapsed during landing at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.
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