Pilot instructor killed in Nigerian Air Force trainer aircraft crash

A senior Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilot instructor has died after the Air Beetle trainer aircraft he was flying crashed near the city of Kaduna. By Oscar Nkala.
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In a statement, the NAF Directorate of Public Relations said the highly experienced pilot instructor, who was alone in the aircraft died instantly. 

"The cause of this incident is unknown yet, but the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) has immediately directed the constitution of a board of inquiry to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash. 

"The unfortunate incident is a tragic reminder of the hazards associated with the flying profession. The CAS and the entire NAF family commiserate with the relatives of the late instructor pilot," the statement said. 

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government is considering the acquisition of several MiG fighters, Yak-130 trainer aircraft as well as artillery and aerial defence systems from Russia. 

Speaking soon after attending an exhibition of Russian military aircraft at the (Russian) International Army Games 2017 edition recently, Nigerian defence minister Retired Brigadier-General Mansur Dan Ali said he was also interested in buying more Russian-made helicopters.

"The Russian equipment that could be of interest to us include MiG fighter jets and we are here [at International Army Games-2017] to have a look. We have identified more items like avionic systems and helicopters. We have already gone for Mi-35 helicopters last year, and taken delivery of two already, and expecting to get another two early next year. We also looked at the (Yak-)130 jet and also we are thinking how to go about it," Brigadier-Gen Dan Ali said. 

Nigeria already operates several Russian-made helicopters including Mi-17, Mi-7 and Mi-35 helicopters in both transport and attack variations.