Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is trying to find out how a Bombardier Challenger 604 lost a cabin door shortly after takeoff from the capital Abuja on October 15. The jet, with nine people on board for a flight to Lagos, landed safely at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (DNAA).
The 22-year-old Challenger (T7-SEI) appears to be registered in San Marino to Empire Aviation, and operated by Triton Aviation. Neither company has yet responded to requests by AIN to provide more details about the incident.
According to FlightRadar24&nbsp;the aircraft climbed to just over 3,800 feet before the crew lined up to land back at Abuja on runway 22. There were three crew and six passengers on board the flight, which took off just after 5 pm local time.
In a statement, NSIB director general Alex Badeh said that the missing door had been recovered by investigators at a nearby farm. According Nigerian media reports, the crew initiated the emergency landing after asking air traffic controllers to visually confirm whether the door was still attached to the aircraft.

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

Nigerian Investigators Probe Challenger Business Jet's Door Separation

The jet landed safely at Abuja with nine people on board

A Bombardier Challenger 604 jet had to land soon after take off from Nigeria's capital Abuja after a cabin door fell off at around 3,000 feet.

Nigerian Investigators Probe Challenger Door Separation

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Gordon Gilbert

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Total accidents worldwide involving bizjets increased 24%

Bizjet Fatalities Drop 41% Despite More Accidents in 2026

David Jack Kenny

Preliminary and final accident reports, October 2026

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: October 2026

Amy Wilder

Rejected takeoff initiated above the decision speed

NTSB: Citation V in Overrun Was Snow-coated, Overweight

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Three crew survived crash on empty leg charter trip from Istanbul

Libyan Officials Investigate Latitude Runway Overrun

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Helicopter was covering a fatal collision between an SUV and bus when it went down

NBC News Helicopter Crashes in LA, Killing Three

Airplane veered into grass with no injuries reported

Forgotten Safety Pin Preceded Gulfstream IV Excursion

Matt Thurber

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

More In Accidents

Bizjet Fatalities Drop 41% Despite More Accidents in 2026

Total accidents worldwide involving bizjets increased 24%

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: October 2026

Preliminary and final accident reports, October 2026

NTSB: Citation V in Overrun Was Snow-coated, Overweight

Rejected takeoff initiated above the decision speed

Libyan Officials Investigate Latitude Runway Overrun

Three crew survived crash on empty leg charter trip from Istanbul

NBC News Helicopter Crashes in LA, Killing Three

Helicopter was covering a fatal collision between an SUV and bus when it went down

Forgotten Safety Pin Preceded Gulfstream IV Excursion

Airplane veered into grass with no injuries reported

District Court Rejects Appeal of GARA-related Lawsuit

Plaintiffs argued that police aircraft are exempt from GARA statute of repose

NTSB: Pax Safely Lands King Air after Pilot Collapsed

Pilot died of cardiac arrest during the flight

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN