NSIB investigates after Triton Aviation aircraft loses door in flight

A CL60 aircraft operated by Triton Aviation has made an emergency landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after its crew reported that a door had opened during flight.

The aircraft, with registration number T7-SEI, departed Abuja for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 4:17 p.m. on Thursday.

According to a serious incident report, the aircraft was approximately three nautical miles from the airport and flying at an altitude of 3,000 feet when the crew issued a distress call at 4:20 p.m.

The crew reportedly made a “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY” call after discovering that a door had opened in flight, prompting air traffic control to direct the aircraft back to Abuja for an emergency landing on Runway 22.

The report stated that the Abuja approach radar controller informed the control tower about the aircraft’s distress call and its request to return to the airport.

At 4:22 p.m., the airport’s fire watch room and medical team were alerted and instructed to remain on standby. The fire service was also directed to position its equipment at designated locations, A4 and A5.

At 4:29 p.m., while in communication with the control tower, the crew asked air traffic control whether the open door could be seen from the ground.

The duty air traffic controller attempted to observe the aircraft using binoculars but could not confirm the door’s position because of the aircraft’s orientation. The crew was subsequently informed.

The aircraft landed safely on Runway 22 at 4:34 p.m.

Following the landing, the controller observed that the door was missing from the aircraft’s fuselage. The aircraft was then taxied to the international apron extension, where it was parked with the assistance of a marshaller at about 4:40 p.m.

The media team of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident, saying investigators had been deployed to the scene.

“Yes, it happened. The investigators are there. We will be releasing an official statement shortly,” the team said.

The NSIB is expected to provide further details as investigations into the incident progress.