Nigerian Bureau Investigates Jet After Door Detaches Mid-Flight

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau is investigating a mid-air incident involving a Challenger 604 business jet, registration T7-SEI, operated by Triton Aviation. On October 16, 2026, the aircraft departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja for Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. While climbing through approximately 3,000 to 3,500 feet and three nautical miles from the airport, the aircraft's main cabin door separated from the fuselage.

The crew declared a mayday emergency and returned to Abuja, landing safely on Runway 22 at 16:34 UTC. There were nine people on board, including six passengers and three crew members; no injuries were reported. The detached door was reportedly found by farmers in a field in Abuja before being recovered by authorities.

Director-General Captain Alex Badeh Jr confirmed that the door has been secured at the bureau's wreckage hangar for analysis. The bureau has commenced its investigation to establish the circumstances and events leading to the separation. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the incident but deferred further comments to the NSIB.