A private jet carrying nine people has made an emergency landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after one of its doors detached from the aircraft while it was flying at an altitude of about 3,500 feet.
The incident occurred on Thursday, October 15, 2026, shortly after the Challenger 604 aircraft, operated by Triton Aviation, departed Abuja for Lagos.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), which confirmed the incident, said the aircraft was about three nautical miles from the airport when the crew declared an emergency following the separation of the door from the aircraft’s fuselage.
According to reports, the pilots issued a Mayday distress call and requested permission to return to Abuja after discovering the problem.
Air traffic controllers immediately directed the aircraft back to the airport, while emergency response teams, including firefighters, rescue personnel and medical staff, were placed on standby in preparation for its arrival.
An air traffic control incident report cited by Nigerian media indicated that the crew initially informed controllers that a door had opened during the flight.
The pilots reportedly sought to establish whether the door was still attached to the aircraft before requesting a visual inspection as they returned to the airport.
One of the air traffic controllers reportedly attempted to observe the aircraft with binoculars but could not determine the condition of the door because of the aircraft’s position and approach angle.
Despite the potentially dangerous situation, the pilots successfully landed the aircraft on Runway 22 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
All nine occupants, comprising six passengers and three crew members, were accounted for, and no injuries were reported.
Detached Jet Door Recovered on Farmland Near Abuja
The door that separated from the aircraft was later recovered on farmland near Abuja, according to local media reports.
Videos circulated on social media reportedly showed people examining what appeared to be the detached aircraft component after it was discovered.
The NSIB subsequently confirmed that the door had been recovered and secured at its wreckage hangar for examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
The aircraft, which is registered in San Marino, was operating under the flight identification DWC052 when the incident occurred.
NSIB Launches Investigation Into Incident
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine why the aircraft’s door detached during flight.
The NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., confirmed that an investigation was underway and stated that further updates would be provided as the inquiry progressed.
Investigators are expected to examine the recovered door, the aircraft and other relevant evidence to determine what led to the incident.
As of the latest available information, the agency has not announced a definitive cause for the door’s detachment.
It remains unclear whether the incident was caused by a mechanical fault, a maintenance-related issue or another factor.
The investigation is expected to provide further details about the circumstances that forced the pilots to declare an emergency and return to Abuja shortly after departure.
The incident has drawn attention to aircraft safety and the importance of identifying the cause of the failure to help prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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