Pilots Issue Mayday Call After Jet Door Detaches Mid-Air, Prompting Emergency Return to Airport.
Abuja: A private jet carrying nine people made an emergency landing in Nigeria after one of its doors detached mid-flight at an altitude of approximately 3,500 feet, prompting the pilots to issue a Mayday distress call and triggering an emergency response at the airport.
The Challenger 604 aircraft, operated by Triton Aviation, was travelling from Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, to Lagos on Thursday, October 15, when the incident occurred shortly after departure from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that the aircraft was around three nautical miles from the airport and ascending through 3,500 feet when the crew declared an emergency after a door separated from the fuselage.
Air traffic controllers immediately instructed the pilots to return to Abuja, while airport firefighters, emergency rescue personnel and medical teams were placed on standby in preparation for the aircraft’s arrival.
Pilots seek confirmation after aircraft door opens mid-air
According to an air traffic control incident report quoted by Nigerian media, the pilots initially informed controllers that a door had opened during the flight.
The crew then sought assistance in determining whether the door was still attached to the aircraft.
As the jet approached the airport, the pilots requested a visual inspection from air traffic controllers.
One controller attempted to examine the aircraft using binoculars, but the jet’s position and angle of approach prevented a clear assessment of whether the door remained in place.
Despite the emergency, the aircraft successfully returned to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and landed safely on Runway 22.
All nine people on board, comprising six passengers and three crew members, were accounted for, and no injuries were reported.
Detached aircraft door recovered from farmland
The missing door was subsequently located on farmland near Abuja, according to reports in the Nigerian media.
Videos shared on social media showed individuals inspecting what appeared to be the aircraft component that had fallen during the flight.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau later confirmed that the detached door had been recovered and transferred to its wreckage hangar for detailed examination.
The Challenger 604 is registered in San Marino and was operating under the flight identification DWC052 when the incident occurred.
Aviation investigators launch inquiry into mid-air incident
Nigeria’s aviation accident investigation authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that caused the aircraft door to separate during flight.
Investigators are expected to examine the available evidence and assess possible contributing factors surrounding the incident.
NSIB Director-General Captain Alex Badeh Jr confirmed that the investigation had commenced and said additional information would be released as the inquiry progresses.
Authorities have not yet established the exact cause of the incident.
It remains unclear whether the door separation was linked to a mechanical defect, maintenance-related issue or another factor, with investigators continuing their examination.
