20th April, 2022
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has identified the second pilot who died in the crashed Super Mushshak trainer aircraft as Flt.-Lt. Elijah Haruna Karatu.
The family of his partner Flt.- Lt. Abubakar Alkali, was ahead the Air Force in identifying him, also announcing his burial, according to Islamic rites.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, has visited the families, friends and colleagues of the two pilots.
Amao said NAF will ensure thorough investigation into the cause of Tuesday’s crash of its Super Mushshak trainer aircraft at NAF Base, Kaduna.
Amao constituted an Accident Investigation Board upon receiving the sad news of the crash to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash, Gabkwet said.
The CAS assured the officers, airmen and airwomen of 401 Flying Training School (FTS ), Kaduna, that all measures would be emplaced to avert similar occurrence in the future.
He also reminded them on the need to remain steadfast and focused on their assigned roles and responsibilities in view of the onerous task before NAF and other security agencies.
This, he said, was to enable them to continue to rid the North-West and indeed the entire nation of all criminal elements.
“The unfortunate incident of trainer aircraft crash is yet again a tragic reminder of the perilous nature of the military flying profession as well as the risks NAF pilots continually take daily to secure Nigeria’s territorial integrity,” he said.