All four occupants of a Skypower Express Airways Cessna 172 aircraft escaped with their lives on Tuesday evening after the plane crash-landed at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, during an emergency diversion.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:58 p.m. as the aircraft, registration 5N-ASR, approached Runway 17 while en route from Kaduna to Port Harcourt. The crew declared an emergency mid-flight, prompting diversion to the nearest suitable facility.

According to Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) spokesperson Bimbo Oladeji, airport police patrols and emergency teams responded swiftly, rescuing the crew. No post-crash fire was reported, and runway operations remained undisrupted. Two occupants were stable, while the other two—initially unconscious—were evacuated to hospital and are receiving treatment.

NSIB Director-General Capt. Alex Badeh Jr. expressed relief that there were no fatalities and extended sympathy to the airline, announcing a formal investigation. Wreckage recovery is underway for detailed examination.

Skypower Express, a charter operator, has not yet issued a public statement. The Cessna 172, a popular single-engine trainer and light aircraft, is widely regarded for reliability but remains vulnerable in off-airport scenarios.

The crash adds to a series of incidents in Nigeria’s busy general aviation sector, which continues to face heightened safety scrutiny. No cargo or passengers beyond the crew were reported aboard.