… Says Captain,First Officer Hold Valid Licences, Medical Certificates
… Aircraft Has Valid Certificate Of Airworthiness
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has recommended to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) the need to carry out inspection on all Allied Air airplanes for potential mechanical and structural vulnerabilities, specifically focusing on the flap and landing gear systems.
The NSIB’s recommendation is contained in the
preliminary report on its ongoing investigation into the incident involving a Boeing 737-400 Freighter aircraft, with registration marks 5N-JRT, operated by Allied Air Limited.
This is just as a statement signed by the NSIB’s Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, assured that further investigation into the incident will focus on a detailed inspection of the right main landing gear assembly, testing and examination of the aircraft’s flap drive system components, including transmission assemblies and actuators
She also said that further analysis on the main wheel tyres for any indications of failure or wear will also be carried out
The summary of the Preliminary Report on the incident, which happened at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (DNAA) Abuja, Nigeria on December 11 2024, indicated that, “the aircraft, en route to collect cargo for the Central Bank of Nigeria,,(CBN) experienced a malfunction with its flaps during its final approach at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport(NAIA)Abuja.
The NSIB Preliminary Report stated that the aircraft on landing at the airport, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the second (2) engine nacelle to drag along the runway and that as a result, the aircraft veered off the runway and came to rest on the grass verge.
The Report further informed that the six occupants onboard the airplane were unhurt and no injuries were reported.
“The aircraft departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos) at 09:11 and began descent into Abuja at 09:44. The approach was conducted with the First Officer as Pilot Flying and the Captain as Pilot Monitoring. During the final approach, attempts to deploy Flaps 30 were unsuccessful, leaving the flaps stuck at Flaps 15. The aircraft touched down at a speed of 157 knots. A loud bang was reported from the right side upon touchdown. The right main landing gear assembly detached, causing the No. 2 engine nacelle to drag along the runway for approximately 1172 meters before the aircraft veered off the runway. The aircraft came to rest on the grass verge, facing 170 degrees from the runway heading,” NSIB Report revealed.
The Report further revealed that the right main landing gear was found sheared off from its attachment point while the No. 3 and No. 4 main wheel tyres burst and that damage was observed on the No. 2 engine nacelle and lower right-wing section.
The Report also said informed that the structural integrity of the cabin and cockpit remained intact and that all the occupants on board the aircraft exited safely through the forward main door without injuries.
On the the pilots were qualified to fly that aircraft , the NSIB Preliminary Report said that, “Both the Captain and First Officer held valid licenses and medical certificates. The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and had performed 101 landings since November 1, 2024, 85 of which used Flaps 15. Weather conditions were favourable with no adverse meteorological factors reported. All navigational and communication equipment, except the Airfield Lighting Panel System, were serviceable.”
NSIB’s Report pointed out that during its Investigation, its initial safety findings showed that no evidence of a hard landing was detected and that there were no snags recorded in the aircraft’s technical logbook.
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