Eight persons on board a Hawker 800XP aircraft escaped unhurt after its nose landing gear collapsed during landing at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on December 14, 2025. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has activated its Go-Team to probe the incident involving the aircraft registered as 5N-ISB, operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited. The flight originated from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja as a non-scheduled domestic passenger service.
The aircraft departed Abuja at approximately 09:20 hours local time with two cockpit crew members, one cabin crew member, and five passengers. During the approach phase into Kano, the flight crew reported a landing gear indication anomaly and requested multiple low passes over the runway to allow air traffic controllers to visually confirm the landing gear position. Kano Tower confirmed on each low pass that all three landing gears appeared fully extended, leading the aircraft to proceed with landing on Runway 06 at about 10:34 hours local time.
During the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed, but all eight persons on board disembarked safely with no injuries reported. The NSIB statement detailed that investigators will examine the aircraft systems, operational procedures, maintenance records, and crew actions to determine the circumstances that led to the occurrence.
Upon notification, the NSIB activated its Go-Team from Abuja to secure the site, collect physical evidence, interview witnesses, and retrieve operational data. The Bureau wishes to assure the public that this investigation is not conducted to apportion blame or liability, but to identify safety issues and prevent future occurrences, with further updates to be provided as the investigation progresses.
Flybird Aircraft Management Services confirmed that the aircraft has been secured and a detailed technical inspection is ongoing in line with regulatory requirements. “Flybird Aircraft Management Services reiterates its commitment to safety and operational excellence,” the airline stated, pledging full cooperation with investigators.
