The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into Thursday’s runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft at Benin Airport in Edo State.
Key Highlights
- The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into Enugu Air’s runway excursion at Benin Airport.
- The incident involved an Embraer E170 aircraft (Flight 4264, registration 5N-ENR) operating from Lagos to Benin.
- The aircraft overshot the end of Runway 05 while landing at about 3:10 p.m. on Thursday.
- There were 63 passengers and five crew members on board, and all were safely evacuated without injuries.
- The NSIB immediately deployed its Go Team to secure the scene and begin evidence collection.
The bureau disclosed in a statement that the Embraer E170 aircraft, operating as Flight 4264 with registration number 5N-ENR from Lagos to Benin, overshot the end of Runway 05 while landing at about 3:10 p.m.
According to the NSIB, the aircraft was carrying 63 passengers and five crew members, all of whom were safely evacuated without injuries.
The bureau said it immediately deployed its Go Team to the airport after receiving notification of the incident to secure the scene and begin evidence collection.
Investigators are interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, inspecting the aircraft, examining runway conditions and reviewing operational and technical records to determine the cause of the runway excursion and any contributing factors.
The NSIB added that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant aviation agencies had been notified, while the aircraft has been secured pending the outcome of the investigation.
Reacting to the incident, the Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed relief that no lives were lost or injuries recorded but stressed that every runway excursion must be subjected to a thorough and independent investigation.
He said investigators arrived at the accident scene within minutes of receiving the report, describing the bureau’s response as evidence of its operational readiness.
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Badeh also urged the public to refrain from speculation while the investigation is ongoing, assuring that the probe would be conducted in line with international standards.
The bureau said it would release a preliminary report within 30 days in accordance with regulatory requirements, while a final report containing its findings and safety recommendations would be published after the investigation is concluded.
Earlier on Thursday, Enugu Air confirmed that one of its Embraer regional jets veered off the runway after landing at Benin Airport.
The airline said all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated and warned that the incident could lead to temporary disruptions to some of its scheduled flights.
“As a result, there may be temporary adjustments to some flight schedules. Passengers affected by any changes will be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance,” the airline said.
