A training helicopter belonging to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) skidded off the runway on Wednesday after landing at the institution’s airstrip in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The incident, which involved a student pilot, raised immediate concerns about aviation safety within the college. However, officials have assured the public that both the aircraft and the trainee pilot are in good condition.
Trainee Pilot Rushed to Hospital
According to sources close to the college, the aircraft had just completed a training session when it veered off course upon landing. The student pilot was immediately taken to a medical facility for evaluation, though reports indicate that no serious injuries were sustained.
Confirming the development, an official from NCAT, Mallam Balarabe Muhammed, downplayed the severity of the incident, insisting that it was a minor mishap.
“As part of the normal training schedule, the aircraft landed but skidded off the runway. It landed safely, but it went off track slightly. The aircraft is alright, and the student is also alright,” he said.
Aviation Authorities Notified
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have both been notified of the occurrence. In line with aviation safety protocols, investigations are expected to commence to determine the cause of the incident and assess any potential risks.
Although NCAT officials are treating the situation as a routine occurrence, aviation experts say every runway incident must be thoroughly examined to prevent future mishaps.
A source within the aviation industry, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that even “minor” incidents should not be overlooked.
“Every aircraft deviation from the runway must be treated seriously. While pilot training involves practical experiences that may include minor mishaps, every event should be analyzed to identify any lapses in training, aircraft maintenance, or runway conditions,” the source explained.
NCAT’s Role in Pilot Training
The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology is one of the country’s premier aviation training institutions, established to develop skilled professionals for Nigeria’s aviation industry. It operates a fleet of training aircraft and has produced thousands of pilots, engineers, and air traffic controllers since its inception in 1964.
Incidents such as this, though often classified as minor, raise questions about safety protocols and the preparedness of trainee pilots to handle real-life challenges in the aviation sector.
As of press time, the NSIB, the agency responsible for investigating aviation incidents in Nigeria, had yet to release an official statement regarding the event. The NCAA is also yet to confirm whether additional safety checks would be imposed on NCAT’s flight operations following the mishap.
While NCAT insists that such occurrences are a natural part of flight training, some industry stakeholders believe that increased scrutiny is needed, especially considering Nigeria’s history of aviation accidents and near-misses.
Past Aviation Incidents in Nigeria
Nigeria’s aviation sector has experienced its fair share of tragic accidents and close calls. From the ill-fated Dana Air crash in 2012 to smaller incidents involving private and commercial flights, concerns about air safety have remained a recurring issue.
Though NCAT’s case did not result in fatalities, analysts say every mishap—big or small—should be used as an opportunity to reinforce safety measures.
While NCAT has assured the public that the training helicopter and the student pilot are unharmed, it remains unclear whether further measures will be taken to enhance safety within the institution.
The NCAA, which is tasked with regulating aviation activities in Nigeria, may conduct an independent review to ascertain the cause of the incident and implement recommendations where necessary.
For now, the training continues at NCAT, but stakeholders in the aviation sector will be watching closely to see whether this “minor incident” leads to significant changes in flight training protocols.
