The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced a formal investigation into a serious incident involving a Hawker 800XP aircraft at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano State. The occurrence, which involved a collapse of the nose landing gear during landing, did not result in injuries. However, the Hawker 800XP incident has raised important operational and technical safety questions within Nigeria’s business aviation sector.
In a statement issued by Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the Bureau confirmed that the Hawker 800XP, bearing nationality and registration marks 5N-ISB, was operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited. The aircraft departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Sunday, 14 December 2025, at approximately 09:20 local time. The flight was a non-scheduled domestic passenger operation bound for Kano, with eight persons on board, including two cockpit crew members, one cabin crew member, and five passengers.
According to the NSIB, the Hawker 800XP crew detected a landing gear indication anomaly during the approach into Kano. Consequently, the pilots requested multiple low passes over the runway to enable air traffic controllers visually confirm the landing gear position. Meanwhile, Kano Tower reported on each pass that all three landing gears on the Hawker 800XP appeared fully extended, therefore allowing the flight to proceed for landing.
The aircraft subsequently positioned for landing on Runway 06 and touched down at about 10:34 local time. However, during the landing roll, the nose landing gear of the Hawker 800XP collapsed. Despite the sudden failure, the aircraft came to a stop on the runway, and all occupants disembarked safely. No injuries were recorded, and airport emergency response protocols were activated immediately after the incident.
Following notification, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau activated its Go-Team to Kano. NSIB investigators will examine the Hawker 800XP aircraft systems, operational procedures, maintenance history, and crew actions to determine the factors that led to the nose gear collapse. In addition, the investigation will assess whether any systemic or organisational issues contributed to the occurrence, in line with international accident investigation standards outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Earlier, Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited issued an Operational Incident Notification confirming the Hawker 800XP event. The company stated that the flight crew acted in full compliance with established operational and safety procedures and managed the situation professionally. It added that the aircraft was brought to a safe stop and that all passengers and crew exited without injury.
On the aircraft’s status, Flybird confirmed that the Hawker 800XP has since been secured and that the incident was reported promptly to the relevant aviation authorities. The operator reaffirmed its commitment to safety and operational excellence, stating that it would continue to cooperate fully with investigators as technical inspections and regulatory reviews progress.
Meanwhile, the NSIB emphasised that the investigation into the Hawker 800XP incident is not intended to apportion blame or liability. Instead, the Bureau explained that its mandate is focused on identifying safety deficiencies and preventing future occurrences.
As the investigation continues, the findings from the Hawker 800XP occurrence are expected to contribute valuable safety lessons for operators, maintenance organisations, and regulators across Nigeria’s growing business and charter aviation segment.
