..as CAS visits scene of accident
..orders investigation
By Victor Akaa, Abuja.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) , has released the names of the 7 personnel that lost their lives following the crash of a Beechcraft KingAir B350i (NAF 201), while returning to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja due to the engine failure enroute Minna.
The victims include; Flight Lieutenant Haruna Gadzama (Captain), Flight Lieutenant Henry Piyo (Co-Pilot), Flying Officer Micheal Okpara (Airborne Tactical Observation System (ATOS) Specialist) and Warrant Officer Bassey Etim (ATOS Specialist).
Others are Flight Sergeant Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS Specialist), Sergeant Ugochukwu Oluka (ATOS Specialist),and Aircraftman Adewale Johnson (Onboard Technician).
A statement relayed to Enugu Reporters by Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola noted that
NAF has already notified the Next of Kin and the deceased family members of the sad and unfortunate incidence.
According to the statement, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has instituted an investigative panel to conduct a full investigation that led to the crash.
The Panel which has already commenced its work is expected to determine the remote and immediate causes of the accident.
The NAF had earlier confirmed the crash of its aircraft which was scheduled to conduct surveillance missions over Niger State and its environs in connection with the concerted efforts to secure the release of the students/staff abducted from the Government Science College Kagara, Niger State.
AVM Amao has since visited the scene of the crash in company of the Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retired); Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Lucky Irabor, and other Service Chiefs.
The CAS, has on behalf of the officers, airmen and airwomen of the NAF, commiserated with the families of the deceased personnel and prayed for eternal repose of their souls.
