On 19th November, 2019, at about 08:45 h, a Cessna 172P (C-172P) aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-APE operated by Skypower Express Airways (SEA) Nigeria Limited, departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (DNAA) for Bida, Niger state; Nigeria on a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight plan, with two (2) persons on board (the Pilot and an equipment operator) and fuel endurance of six hours. The flight was meant for a Georadiometric Aerial Survey around Bida Basin. It was a scheduled six lines operations which will last for 30 minutes each.
The pilot stated that, at about 09:15 h, ACC transferred 5N-APE to Minna Tower. Thereafter, 5N-APE established contact with Minna Tower and subsequently proceeded to Bida basin for the Georadiometric Aerial Survey (operation).
At about 09:40 h, the aircraft descended to about 400 ft Above Ground Level (AGL) and commenced the operation. The pilot further stated that, they conducted three successful lines (sortie) and the operation was normal. At about 11:54 h, on the fourth line, there was a drop in engine revolution per minute (r.p.m.) accompanied by change in engine sound. Shortly after, engine oil splashed on the windshield and oil pressure indication was decreasing while oil temperature indication was rising. The pilot then reduced the engine r.p.m. setting and attempted to climb to higher altitude for diversion to Bida airstrip.