An aircraft operated by Triton Aviation departing Abuja for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on Thursday lost its door mid-air, shortly after take-off, and had to make an emergency landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Penpushing reports that the aircraft, a CL60 with registration number T7-SEI and flight identification DWC052, took off from Runway 22 at 4:17 p.m, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and, about three nautical miles from the airport.
The aircraft was climbing at 3,000 feet when the crew issued a distress call at 4:20 p.m. that the door had been opened prompting air traffic controllers to direct the aircraft back to Abuja for an emergency landing.
Penpushing further reports that airport fire and rescue personnel and the medical team were subsequently alerted and placed on standby in preparation for the aircraft’s return, and at about 4:29 p.m. UTC, the crew asked the Abuja control tower to confirm whether the door was open.
The duty air traffic controller attempted to observe the aircraft with binoculars but could not establish the door’s condition because of the aircraft’s position, while the crew was informed that the controller could not visually confirm the situation.
Penpushing also reports that the aircraft landed safely on Runway 22 at approximately 4:34 p.m. UTC, about 14 minutes after the Mayday call, and after landing, the controller observed that the aircraft’s door was missing from the fuselage.
The aircraft was subsequently taxied to the international apron extension, where it was parked with the assistance of a marshaller, however, a video circulating on social media appears to show the aircraft’s missing door.
Penpushing reports that in the footage, an unidentified man said some farmers found the door while returning from their farm in the Abuja area, suggesting that it had fallen from an aircraft but did not provide further details about the discovery.
The circumstances surrounding the reported discovery have not been independently verified as of the time of filing this report, while the cause of the incident and the circumstances surrounding the door’s detachment have not been established.
Penpushing further reports that as at the time of filing this report the number of people on board is not immediately available, however, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that the incident occurred and said investigators have been deployed, with assurance that it will be releasing an official statement
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, also confirmed the incident but said the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has jurisdiction.
Penpushing also reports that as at the time of filing this report the management of, Triton Aviation could not be reached for comment, and yet to issue any official statement on the incident.
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