An aircraft belonging to Nigerian Airforce has crashed, killing a pilot who was the only officer on board, a spokesperson has announced.

The accident occurred in Kaduna on Thursday, spokesman for the airforce, Olatokunbo Adesanya, said in a short statement.

Mr. Adesanya, an Air Commodore, said the cause of the crash was unknown. An investigation is underway, he said.

“A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Beetle Aircraft today crashed in Kaduna while on a mission,” the statement said.

“The only soul on board the aircraft, one of the NAF’s experienced instructor pilots, was unfortunately lost during the mishap. The cause of the incident is unknown but Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) has immediately directed the constitution of a board of inquiry to determine immediate and remote causes of the crash. 

“The unfortunate incident is a tragic reminder of the hazards associated with the flying profession. CAS and the entire NAF family commiserate with the relatives of the late instructor pilot.”

PT