NAF investigates cause of aircraft crash during Independence Day celebration rehearsal
The Nigeria Air Force Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, has ordered investigation into the crash that involved two aircraft on Friday.
The crash occurred after two aircraft collided in the air during a rehearsal for the country’s upcoming 58th Independence Day celebration. One of the pilots involved in the unfortunate incident has been confirmed dead.
Abubakar said a board of inquiry has been set up to unravel the cause of the crash. He said Friday was the last rehearsal for the pilots in preparatory for the anniversary to be held on Monday.
“I think that is the tragic nature of our job. As combat pilots, sometimes terrible things happen and this is one of those days,” Abubakar said.
“These officers have been rehearsing for the 58th anniversary of their country. “Everybody was full of enthusiasm, excited to be part of the celebration. Unfortunately, we had this incident this afternoon.
“We have set up a board of enquiry to clearly understand what really happened. This was supposed to be the last rehearsal before the actual flying on the October 1.
“It is very unfortunate that we lost one of them, but we are also consoled by the fact that we have two of the pilots here who are in stable condition. They have been visited by the Chief of Staff and I have also visited them
“Like I said, this is something that has to do with the profession of flying combat aircraft and sometimes you can’t avoid these things from happening,” he added.
The Chief of Air Staff said that the deceased officer’s father and wife had already been contacted.
