Nine Escape Injury as Private Jet Door Falls Off Mid-Air

A private jet carrying nine people made an emergency landing in Abuja after one of its doors detached during flight 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 Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for Lagos.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that the aircraft was approximately three nautical miles from the airport when the crew declared an emergency after the door separated from the fuselage.

Following the incident, the pilots issued a Mayday distress call and requested permission to return to Abuja.

Air traffic controllers promptly directed the aircraft back to the airport, while emergency responders, including firefighters, rescue personnel and medical teams, were placed on standby.

According to an air traffic control incident report cited by Nigerian media, the crew initially informed controllers that a door had opened during the flight. The pilots sought to determine whether the door remained attached to the aircraft.

The crew also requested a visual inspection as the jet returned to the airport. One air traffic controller reportedly attempted to observe the aircraft using binoculars but could not establish the door’s condition because of the aircraft’s position and approach angle.

Despite the incident, the aircraft landed safely on Runway 22 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

All nine occupants, comprising six passengers and three crew members, were accounted for. No injuries were reported.

Detached Door Recovered Near Abuja

The missing aircraft door was later found on farmland near Abuja, according to local media reports. Videos shared on social media showed people examining what appeared to be the detached component.

The NSIB subsequently confirmed that the door had been recovered and secured at its wreckage hangar for further examination as part of the investigation.

The aircraft, registered in San Marino, was operating under the flight identification DWC052 at the time of the incident.

NSIB Begins Investigation

Nigeria’s aviation accident investigation agency has commenced an inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish why the door detached during flight.

The NSIB Director-General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr, confirmed that an investigation was ongoing and said further updates would be provided.

Investigators are expected to examine the recovered door and other relevant evidence to establish the cause of the incident.

As of the latest available information, no definitive explanation has been given for the door’s separation. It remains unclear whether the incident resulted from a mechanical fault, a maintenance-related problem or another factor.

The investigation is expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances that led to the emergency landing.