NAF jet crashes, pilots eject; Air chief orders probe
The Nigerian Air Force(NAF), has said that one of its trainer aircraft has crashed in Makurdi, Benue state.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, who disclosed this, said the aircraft FT-7NI, crashed at about 4:15pm, while on a routine training exercise.
He said the two pilots on board the aircraft survived the crash after successfully ejecting from the aircraft.
Gabkwet in a statement reads
“A Nigerian Air Force FT-7NI trainer aircraft crashed today, 14 July 2023 at about 4.15pm in Makurdi, Benue State, while on a routine training exercise. Luckily, the 2 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. Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has constituted a Board of Inquiry to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash.”