Aircraft makes emergency landing in Abuja after door opens mid-flight

A CL60 aircraft operated by Triton Aviation made an emergency landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday 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 16:17 UTC, according to a serious incident report.

Three minutes after take-off, when the aircraft was about three nautical miles from the airport and at an altitude of 3,000 feet, the crew issued a “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY” distress call.

The report stated that the crew informed air traffic control that a door had opened, prompting controllers to direct the aircraft back to Abuja for a landing on Runway 22.

Airport fire and medical teams were alerted and placed on standby ahead of the aircraft’s return.

At 16:29 UTC, the crew asked Abuja Tower whether the open door was visible from the ground. The duty air traffic controller attempted to inspect the aircraft with binoculars but could not see the door because of the aircraft’s position.

The aircraft landed safely on Runway 22 at 16:34 UTC. After landing, the controller observed that the door was missing from the aircraft.

The aircraft was then taxied to the international apron extension and parked with the assistance of a marshaller at about 16:40 UTC.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident and said investigators were at the scene.

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

The bureau is expected to issue an official statement on the incident.