Abuja Crash: Pilot complained of engine failure after take-off

Haruna Gazman: Pilot who flew the ill-fated Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Abuja

Flt. Lt. Haruna Gazman has been identified as the pilot of the Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft that crashed close to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja today February 21.

The pilot was identified by a Twitter user Emmanuel Macden, who stated that Gazman was his friend.

“My friend was the pilot of that flight, rest well Haruna Gazman,” he stated.

However, The Punch reported that the pilot complained of engine failure barely moments after takeoff.

A source who spoke on the strict condition of anonymity said: “The aircraft was on its way to Minna. Moments after, on getting to Bassa Local Government Area, he informed the control tower that he had experienced an engine failure.

“He was advised to return to the Abuja airport immediately but it crash-landed.”