Updated: Plane Crashes Near Akwa Ibom Airport

SAN FRANCISCO, October 29, (THEWILL) – An aircraft reported to be on a routine test flight between Cross River and Akwa Ibom States has crashed near the Akwa Ibom International Airport, Uyo.

Sources told THEWILL that the aircraft crashed at about 7.pm local time. The cause of the crash has not been ascertained, but another aviation source added that all persons onboard survived the mishap.

THEWILL has been told that the aircraft belongs to the Nigerian Airforce. The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah told THEWILL that the aircraft involved in the mishap was part of seven simulation planes operated by the Nigerian Airforce. He said the planes were on a test flight.

The Airport Manager, Akwa Ibom International Airport, Mr. Jari Williams, confirmed the crash to THEWILL and said the relevant aviation agencies have commenced investigations. He said the airport’s management would issue a statement Saturday.