Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has identified multiple safety gaps at Benin Airport in Edo State, South-South Nigeria following the July 23 runway excursion involving an Enugu Air flight.
According to the preliminary report, the crew knew before landing that the aircraft’s autobrake system was unavailable and planned to use manual braking. But the landing was also affected by a wet runway, rain, reduced visibility and tailwind.
The flight data recorder showed a tailwind of about 12 knots at the runway threshold and 6.4 knots at touchdown. The aircraft touched down approximately 1,641 metres from the threshold of Runway 05 at about 138 knots before overrunning the runway.
NSIB says the aircraft struck approach-lighting equipment and two concrete structures linked to a decommissioned localiser installation. All 68 occupants evacuated safely, with no injuries reported.
Beyond the aircraft and crew, the preliminary report identified concerns with runway-condition reporting, weather information and control-tower visibility. NSIB noted that although the crew was told the runway was wet, no Runway Condition Report or Runway Condition Code was communicated during the reviewed air traffic control exchanges.
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The bureau also found that the airport’s weather information display was unserviceable, while an incomplete structure obstructed the control tower’s view of part of the aerodrome.
NSIB has issued four immediate recommendations, including the removal of fixed structures beyond Runway 05, improved tower visibility, provision of a suitable tower location for NAMA, and restoration of the weather information display by NiMet.
NSIB says the findings are preliminary, as investigations continue into the aircraft’s performance, crew decisions, runway conditions, weather and airport infrastructure.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
