Abuja, Nigeria: A Bombardier Challenger 604 operated by Triton Aviation lost a door shortly after departing Abuja for Lagos on 15 October 2026, forcing the crew to declare a Mayday and return to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. All nine people aboard were accounted for after the aircraft landed safely, while Nigeria’s aviation accident investigation authority has opened a probe.
The aircraft, registered T7-SEI and operating as flight DWC052, departed Abuja for Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said the aircraft was about three nautical miles from the airport and climbing through 3,500 feet when the crew declared a Mayday after the door separated from the aircraft. Earlier air-traffic-control reporting described the crew as reporting that a door had opened in flight. The aircraft was subsequently directed back to Abuja and landed safely on Runway 22 at 16:34 UTC.
NSIB confirmed that nine people were on board, comprising six passengers and three crew members, and all were accounted for following the landing. Airport fire and rescue personnel and medical teams had been placed on standby before the aircraft returned. After landing, the aircraft was taxied to the international apron extension and guided into its parking position by a marshaller.
The missing door was subsequently recovered and is now secured at the NSIB wreckage hangar. NSIB Director-General and CEO Captain Alex Badeh Jr. said, “The Bureau has commenced its investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the occurrence.” The bureau added that it would provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
The cause of the door separation has not yet been established. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the incident and said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of NSIB, which is investigating the circumstances and sequence of events.
