On July 14, 2023, at approximately 4:15 PM local time, a trainer aircraft of the Nigerian Air Force, specifically the FT-7NI model, experienced a crash during a routine training exercise in Makurdi, Benue State.
Fortunately, both pilots aboard the aircraft managed to survive the incident by successfully ejecting from the plane. Fortunately, there were no casualties or damage to any property in the vicinity of the crash site.
Currently, the two pilots are receiving medical attention and observation at the NAF Base Hospital in Makurdi. In response to the incident, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, has established a Board of Inquiry.
The purpose of this board is to investigate and ascertain both the immediate and underlying causes of the crash.