Bombardier Challenger private jet returns to Abuja after door detaches in flight

A Triton Aviation Bombardier Challenger 600 series departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 16:17 UTC and, about three minutes later at roughly 3,000 feet, the aircraft’s door opened and subsequently detached from the fuselage.

The pilots issued three Mayday calls, were instructed by air traffic control to return, and landed safely on runway 22 at 16:34 UTC; no injuries were reported and the detached door was later found in a field near Abuja.

The Nigeria Security Investigation Bureau has opened a technical investigation, with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority confirming the incident.