Two individuals have been hospitalised following the crash-landing of a Diamond training aircraft operated by the Aviation Training School in Ilorin, Kwara State. The incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday during a simulated instrument approach at the Ilorin International Airport.

The aircraft veered off Runway 05 during the simulation and came to a halt on the grass verge. No fatalities were recorded, but both occupants of the plane sustained serious injuries and were immediately taken to a medical facility. Their current conditions remain unknown at the time of reporting.

A simulated instrument approach involves flying solely by reference to cockpit instruments, typically under visual restrictions provided by devices such as IFR hoods or goggles. It is a standard training procedure for pilots preparing for low-visibility flight conditions.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident. In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, the agency confirmed that its Go-Team is en route from Abuja to Ilorin to conduct an on-site investigation.

“The team will secure the crash site, gather physical evidence, interview witnesses, and retrieve operational data to determine the cause and contributing factors,” the statement said.

NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh, expressed sympathy for the injured and commended the swift response by emergency services. “Every investigation is an opportunity to improve safety. We are deploying our team to Ilorin to ensure that no detail is overlooked,” he said.

The Bureau urged the public and media to refrain from speculation and await official updates, assuring that the investigation will be thorough, independent, and aimed at strengthening aviation safety in Nigeria.

Further information will be released as the investigation progresses.