A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) FT-7NI trainer aircraft has crashed in Markurdi, Benue State, while on a routine training exercise.
A statement made available on Friday by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, said the crash happened around 4.15pm on Friday, July 14.
“Luckily, the 2 pilots on board survived the crash after successfully ejecting from the aircraft. Additionally, there was no loss of lives or damage to any property around the area of impact.
“Both pilots are currently under observation at NAF Base Hospital, Makurdi. Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has constituted a Board of Inquiry to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash,” the statement read.
Heritage Times HT reports that between 2015 and 2023, the Nigerian Air Force has suffered a total of 15 military air crashes, resulting in the loss of 16 aircraft.
Also, the crashes during the period under review killed no fewer than 33 military personnel, while the whereabouts of two personnel are still unknown till date.
While the cause of the incidents have not been made public, aviation experts have blamed the mishap largely on poor maintenance of the aircraft.
