Nigerian Safety Bureau Reports on Aircraft Door Detachment During Flight

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has shared its initial findings on a serious incident involving a Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft. The aircraft, operated by Triton Aviation Limited, experienced a mid-air door detachment during a flight from Abuja to Lagos on October 15, 2026.

The incident occurred shortly after take-off, prompting the pilots to declare an emergency and return to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The report, released on November 11, states that all nine people on board, including two pilots, one cabin crew member, and six passengers, were unharmed.

According to the NSIB, the aircraft was climbing when the flight crew noticed an unusual increase in cabin altitude around 5:19 p.m. This raised concerns about a possible pressurization issue. The captain instructed the cabin crew to check the main cabin door. However, as they approached, the door opened and detached from the aircraft.

The pilots quickly coordinated with Abuja Air Traffic Control for an emergency return, landing safely on Runway 22 at about 5:34 p.m. Although everyone on board was safe, the aircraft suffered significant damage. The detached door was later found in a cornfield in Gui Village, about five miles from the airport.

The NSIB emphasized that this preliminary report does not determine the cause of the door separation, as investigations are still ongoing. The report includes factual information and initial findings, along with immediate safety recommendations based on identified issues. A final report will be published once the investigation is complete, detailing further analysis and recommendations.