The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it has commenced an investigation into the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft at Benin Airport, assuring the public that a preliminary report will be released within 30 days.
The incident occurred on Thursday when the aircraft, operating as Flight 4264 with registration 5N-ENR from Lagos to Benin, overran the end of Runway 05 while landing at about 3:10 p.m. local time.
The aircraft was carrying 63 passengers and five crew members. All 68 occupants were safely accounted for and no injuries were recorded.
In a statement, the NSIB said its Go Team was deployed to the scene within minutes of receiving notification of the occurrence to begin an on-site investigation.
According to the Bureau, investigators are gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions, and reviewing operational and technical information to determine the circumstances and contributing factors that led to the incident.
The Bureau added that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant airport authorities had been notified, while the aircraft had been secured.
Commenting on the incident, the Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said the absence of injuries was reassuring but stressed that the occurrence would be subjected to a thorough and independent investigation.
“We are relieved that all passengers and crew members are safe and that no injuries were reported. While this is reassuring, every runway excursion is a serious occurrence that deserves a thorough and independent investigation,” he said.
Badeh noted that the rapid deployment of investigators demonstrated the Bureau’s preparedness to respond to aviation occurrences.
“Our Go Team was on the ground within minutes of notification, and that speed of response reflects the readiness and professionalism of our investigators. We urge the public to refrain from speculation as our investigators carry out their work in accordance with international standards,” he added.
The NSIB said it would issue a preliminary report within 30 days in line with regulatory requirements, while the final investigation report, containing safety recommendations, would be published at the conclusion of the investigation.
The Bureau also called on all stakeholders in the aviation industry to continue prioritising safety and cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
