Nigerian AF FT-7 trainer crash (updated)
The Nigeria Air Force has confirmed the crash of one of its trainer aircraft in Makurdi the capital of Benue State. The incident happened on 14 July 2023 about 4:15 hrs LT, while the aircraft was on a routine training exercise.
In 2008, the Nigerian Air Force received twelve F-7NI Airguard fighters and three FT-7NI trainers to replace aging MiG-21s. Total cost was USD 252 million, with USD 220 million for the aircraft and USD 32 million for munitions. Of these three, NAF813 was already lost in May of either 2011 or 2012, while NAF812 was written off on 28 September 2018.
From 2018 NAF814 was the only FT-7 operated by the Nigeriaqn Air Force but in 2022, Shenyang sold a additional FT-7 with serial NAF815. Aviation Safety Net reports the identity of the aircraft as NAF814, but this has not been confirmed yet.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the two pilots involved ejected successfully. Additionally, there was no loss of lives or damage to any property around the area of impact. Both pilots are currently under observation at NAF Base Hospital, Makurdi. Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has constituted a Board of Inquiry to determine the immediate and remote cause of the crash.
Photo (just illustrative) U.S. Naval Institute