NAF Orders Swift Investigation Into Cause Of Plane Crash

The Nigerian Air Force has promised swift investigation into the cause of a plane crash that claimed the lives of two pilots.

In a statement by the Force’s spokesperson, Edward Gabkwet, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft crash that occurred at NAF Basthe e, Kaduna.

The Super Mushshak trainer aircraft had on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, crashed in Kaduna, leading to the death of two pilots; Abubakar Muhammed Alkali and Elijah Haruna Karatu, both flight lieutenants.

Part of the stament reads; ”Air Marshal Amao had constituted an Accident Investigation Board upon receiving the sad news of the crash yesterday, to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash.

"While at Kaduna earlier today, he assured the officers, airmen and airwomen of 401 Flying Training School that all measures will be emplaced to avert similar occurrence in the future.

"He also reminded them on the need to remain steadfast and focused on their assigned roles and responsibilities in view of the onerous task before the NAF and other security agency to rid the Northwest and indeed the entire Nation of all criminal elements.”

The statement further described the crash as a tragic reminder of the perilous nature of the military flying profession as well as the risks NAF pilots continually take.

The force’s boss also commiserated with families, and well-wishers of the two pilots, Flight Lieutenant Abubakar Muhammed Alkali and Flight Lieutenant Elijah Haruna Karatu, who lost their lives in the tragic accident.