We did not tamper with Adeleke’s aircraft engines – Aviation Quits

The management of Quits Aviation has denied allegations of tampering with the Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft, registration mark 5N-ATA, belonging to Dr Deji Adeleke, the elder brother of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.

They stated that the aeroplane was under 24-hour security observation and that CCTV footage revealed no evidence of manipulation, as had been suggested.

Governor Adeleke was set to fly from Lagos to Abuja aboard his brother’s private plane, but the pilot had to cancel the flight due to an engine malfunction.

Contrary to rumours that the engine exploded after taxing, Rasheed stated that a loud boom was heard on the tarmac shortly after taxing.

He also highlighted the hanger owners’ explanation that a bird nest within the engine caused the malfunction, adding there are significant reasons to assume that the two engines in the aircraft were tampered with.

However, in a statement provided to Vanguard, Quits Aviation management noted that the company is a respected aviation entity with 12 years of experience in Aircraft Management, Aircraft Maintenance, Operations, and Handling services.

“The aircraft was parked at Quits Aviation premises prior to the date of the incident on 04.09.2023. During parking, the aircraft was under 24-hour security surveillance and there is no record of observed tampering, or security infringements.

He also highlighted the hanger owners’ explanation that a bird nest within the engine caused the malfunction, adding there are significant reasons to assume that the two engines in the aircraft were tampered with.

However, in a statement provided to Vanguard, Quits Aviation management noted that the company is a respected aviation entity with 12 years of experience in Aircraft Management, Aircraft Maintenance, Operations, and Handling services.

“Prior to the incident on September 4, 2023, the aircraft was parked at Quits Aviation.” The aeroplane was under 24-hour security surveillance while parked, and no tampering or security violations were observed.

“The following can be confirmed based on CCTV footage: On the day of the flight (04.09.2023), at approximately 08:45, the aircraft was towed from its parked position and repositioned close to the Legend Business Hangar to begin flight preparation procedures.”

“It has been confirmed that the aircraft was parked without engine cover protection.” There was no other disturbance to its airframe or engines outside the towing movement.

“The aircraft doors were opened at approximately 13:18 on the same day for flight preparation activities until the aircraft departed for its intended flight at approximately 15:20.”

“The aircraft later returned to the ramp before departing Quits Aviation at approximately 17:12.”

“Quits Aviation regrets the incident and confirms its full cooperation with relevant stakeholders and authorities conducting the investigation.”

“In order to promote safety, Quits Aviation advises its tenants to park aircraft in strict accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Manual Procedures, which require that open orifices and engines be always covered to prevent Foreign Object Damage or Infestation.”