Another Air Disaster Averted On Ilorin-Lagos Route

If not for providence and expertise of the pilot of an Overland Airways flight from Ilorin to Lagos, the nation could have witnessed another air disaster in a year that has been filled already with one too many.

The flight, OJ 1188, had difficulties stabilising in the air as the landing gear failed to retract after take-off from Ilorin Airport, Sunday.

The pilot was said to have continued the journey to Lagos, with the flight witnessing turbulence as the landing gear failed to retract.

A passenger on the flight said the aircraft wobbled its way into Murtala Muhammad Airport with its landing gear hanging dangerously throughout the flight.

The Director-General of Nigerian Civil Authority, NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren, who confirmed the development, said the aircraft on take-off at Ilorin Airport, hit an object which made it impossible for the landing gear to retract thereafter.

He said the pilot was, however, able to manipulate the aircraft to land safely in Lagos, without injuries to the passengers.