It was a lucky day for Nigerian aviation industry as as Aero Contractors plane bound to Kaduna from Lagos escaped death.
The aircraft was said to have suddenly lost altitude just 20 minutes after it departed the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, forcing the aircraft to wobble in the air for over one hour before the flight was diverted to Abuja. Akintola who is said to have broken the news said: ‘The plane lost altitude 20 minutes after take-off.
This is coming a few days after the 3rd anniversary of the unforgettable Dana crash which killed over 160 in Lagos three years ago, another set of 120 Nigerians escaped death yesterday while aboard an Aero aircraft heading to Kaduna from Lagos.
According to reports, the passengers, among whom was the Director, Muslim Rights Concern, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, escaped death by the whiskers on Friday.
“We had to make use of the oxygen masks. We saw smoke outside the plane, probably coming from the engine compartment. At this time, the whole plane was thrown into commotion. Many passengers screamed and some fainted. Prayers upon prayers were offered. Some shouted Allah, others Jesus,” he said.
Commending the crew for their professionalism and unusual calmness despite the scare, he said the pilot later announced that the plane would be diverted to Abuja.
He confirmed the plane finally landed in Abuja at about 9.30pm after another round of scare as the tyres of the plane refused to come out for a seamless landing at the Nmadi Azikiwe Airport.
