Nosa Osula-Aituamen
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary report into the December 11, 2024, incident involving an Allied Air Boeing 737-400 freighter at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The aircraft, registered 5N-JRT, was en route from Lagos to Abuja to pick up cargo for the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The report reveals that the freighter experienced a flap malfunction during its final approach.
“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”.
According to the report, despite the significant damage to the landing gear, engine, and wing, the structural integrity of the cabin and cockpit remained intact, and all crew members exited the aircraft safely without injuries.
It added that, at the time of the incident, both pilots held valid licenses and medical certificates, and the aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness, while weather conditions were favorable, and all navigational and communication equipment, except for the Airfield Lighting Panel System, were functioning correctly.
The NSIB’s initial findings indicate that there was no hard landing and no snags recorded in the aircraft’s technical logbook prior to the incident.
As an immediate safety recommendation, the NSIB has urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to inspect all Allied Air aircraft for potential mechanical and structural vulnerabilities, with a specific focus on the flap and landing gear systems.
The investigation is ongoing, the NSIB says, it will now conduct a detailed inspection of the detached right main landing gear assembly, test and examine the aircraft’s flap drive system components, and analyze the main wheel tires for any signs of failure or wear.
A final report will be published upon the conclusion of the investigation.