The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) on Friday, 16 October, said it has launched an investigation into an aviation incident involving a Challenger 604 aircraft operated by Triton after its door reportedly separated shortly after takeoff from Abuja.
The aircraft, registered as T7-SEI, was en route to Lagos when the crew declared an emergency at around 3,500 feet, about three nautical miles after departure.
The Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jnr., in a statement, said the aircraft left Abuja at 16:12 UTC on Thursday but had to return after the incident.
According to the NSIB, the crew issued a “Mayday” distress call, the internationally recognised emergency declaration pilots use to signal a serious, immediate threat requiring urgent assistance.
The aircraft subsequently returned to Abuja and landed safely on Runway 22 at approximately 16:34 UTC, with all nine occupants accounted for. The aircraft carried three crew members and six passengers.
According to the Bureau, the aircraft door was recovered and secured at its wreckage hangar for the investigation. Investigators have begun examining what happened, and will share more details as the inquiry continues.
This investigation is part of the NSIB’s role in investigating transportation accidents and serious incidents, including aviation, to determine what caused them and suggest ways to prevent them in the future.
Unlike regulatory investigations, the Bureau’s safety investigations focus on finding out what happened and making safety recommendations, not on assigning blame or legal responsibility.
The NSIB said it will share updates as the investigation reveals more information.
