NSIB begins investigation as foreign-registered aircraft loses door mid-air

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced an investigation into an incident involving a foreign-registered Challenger 604 aircraft operated by Triton Aviation, which lost its door mid-air shortly after departing Abuja for Lagos.

The aircraft, with registration number T7-SEI, had departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 16:12 UTC on Thursday. It was about three nautical miles from the airport and climbing through 3,500 feet when the crew declared a ‘may day’ following the separation of the door from the aircraft.

This was contained in a statement made available to Sunday PUNCH by the NSIB.

According to the NSIB, the aircraft returned to Abuja and landed safely on Runway 22 at 16:34 UTC, with nine persons on board, comprising three crew members and six passengers.

The aircraft, identified as a Challenger 604, is registered in San Marino, a landlocked microstate in Southern Europe surrounded by Italy.

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In the NSIB statement signed by its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Alex Badeh Jr, the NSIB said the missing door had been recovered and secured at its wreckage hangar.

“The Bureau has commenced its investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the occurrence,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that serious incident had prompted an emergency response at the Abuja airport, with fire and rescue personnel and medical teams placed on standby ahead of the aircraft’s return.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had earlier confirmed the incident, noting that the investigation fell under the purview of the NSIB.

The bureau said it would provide further updates as the investigation progresses.

Akinlotan is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of experience reporting on politics, social justice, motoring, railways, and aviation. His work focuses on accountability, public interest, and social change, producing stories that inspire reform and amplify underrepresented voices. Akinlotan’s reporting reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a strong commitment to accurate, impact-driven journalism.

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