How Pilot-Trainee Error Caused Aviation College Aircraft to Crash-Land in Ilorin * Plus video of the crash
By Omowumi Omotosho
The crash-land by the training aircraft of the Ilorin International Aviation College was caused by a pilot trainee error, National Pilot authoritatively gathered on Sunday.
According to a source familiar with the mishap, the crash was triggered when the trainee pilot, identified simply as Lola, accidentally made a wrong maneuver mid-flight, while flying the Diamond training aircraft, with registration number BNI and operated by the Ilorin International Aviation College (IAC), alongside the head of training, identified simply as Ajape.
“After the maneuvering error made by Lola, which made the aircraft to start descending, Ajape being the trainer battled desperately to get the aircraft back on air by initiating the climb but the aircraft crash-landed and wreaked beyond repair,” the source disclosed.
The twin-engine aircraft was reportedly the last operational unit in the college’s two-plane fleet.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in a statement issued on Saturday by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, confirmed that both occupants – a trainee pilot and an instructor – sustained injuries and were promptly taken to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) with assistance from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
“The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the crash-landing of a diamond training aircraft operated by the Aviation Training School, Ilorin.
“The incident occurred at about 17:28 local time on Friday, May 23, 2025, during a simulated instrument approach on runway 05 at Ilorin International Airport.
“Two occupants were on board; both sustained injuries and were swiftly evacuated to a medical facility, coordinated by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
“In response, the NSIB go-team has visited the location for an on-site investigations,” the statement reads.
Also, the Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., who visited the crash site, said the agency had retrieved the aircraft’s data card and begun the process of downloading its contents for analysis at the NSIB transport safety lab in Abuja as preliminary report is expected within the next 30 days.
“The aircraft came to rest just to the left of the runway, depending on the direction of approach. Our team is on-site and we expect to conclude recovery operations within the hour.
“As an investigative body, our mandate is to determine what happened, to whom it happened, how it happened, and, most importantly, how to prevent a recurrence,” he explained.
He added that four investigators will remain at the crash site to complete their measurements before returning to Abuja.
“The memory card will be analyzed at the NSIB transport safety lab to inform the agency’s safety recommendations,” he noted.
Assuring the public, the DG said the incident occurred during a routine training flight, stressing that such accidents, while unfortunate, can occur in training environments.
“There is no cause for concern. Our airspace remains safe,” he said.
Badeh also confirmed that both pilots are conscious and coherent.
“One has undergone an MRI scan, and both are receiving appropriate medical care. They are in stable condition, considering the circumstances,” he added.
