Investigation Summary
On the evening of May 21, 2021, the twin-engine turboprop aircraft departed Abuja for a short flight to Kaduna. As the aircraft neared its destination, it encountered deteriorating weather conditions. During the final approach phase, the aircraft impacted the ground and was completely destroyed by impact forces and a subsequent post-crash fire. The accident was the second fatal crash involving a Nigerian Air Force King Air 350i in 2021, following the loss of NAF201 in February due to engine failure. The loss of Lieutenant General Attahiru, who had only been in his post for four months, represented a significant blow to the Nigerian military leadership.
Final Conclusions
The investigation is ongoing. Preliminary findings indicate the aircraft crashed during final approach in poor weather conditions. No official final report has been released by the Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau or military authorities as of the latest grounded source updates.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
PT6A-60A Engines
The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada turboprop engines. Investigators typically examine these for signs of power loss or mechanical failure during approach.
Weather Radar
Onboard systems used to detect precipitation and turbulence, critical for the approach phase in the reported poor weather conditions.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Beechcraft B300 King Air 350i manufactured in 2013 (MSN FL-891).
- 02All 11 occupants, consisting of 4 crew members and 7 passengers, were killed.
- 03The crash occurred in the vicinity of Kaduna International Airport during a period of heavy rain and low visibility.
- 04The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, was among the fatalities.
- 05This was the second Nigerian Air Force King Air 350i crash within three months, following the loss of NAF201 in February 2021.
- 06The Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) submitted an interim report containing 27 initial findings and 8 safety recommendations.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Interim Safety Recommendations
Source ↗Following the submission of the interim report by the AIB to the Chief of Air Staff, 8 safety recommendations were issued to prevent recurrence, focusing on operational procedures during adverse weather.
Location
ACCIDENT SITE · Coordinates taken from the wikidata coordinate.