Enugu Air Embraer E170 that overran Benin runway had inoperative autobrake and touched down long

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has published its preliminary report on the accident that occurred on July 23, 2026, when the Embraer ERJ 170-100LR operated by Enugu Air (registration 5N-ENR) overran the runway while landing at Oba Akenzua II Airport in Benin City, Nigeria.

Flight ENU4264, from Lagos (Murtala Muhammed International Airport), was carrying 63 passengers and five crew members. At approximately 14:55 local time, the aircraft landed on Runway 05 (2,400 meters of available length) and overran the end of it, entering an unpaved area, striking approach lighting installations and two fixed concrete structures belonging to a dismantled localizer.

All three landing gear assemblies separated from the fuselage. The aircraft came to rest about 325 meters beyond the end of the runway. There was no post-impact fire, and all 68 occupants evacuated without injuries through the emergency slide of the left rear exit.

Inoperative autobrake system and long landing

According to the report, during the approach briefing the first officer (pilot flying) reported that the autobrake system was not working and that manual braking would be used. The crew was aware of this limitation and discussed it before landing. The NSIB does not identify it as a cause of the accident.

Flight recorder data shows that the aircraft touched down approximately 1,641.5 meters past the threshold of the 2,400-meter runway, leaving only about 758 meters remaining. Ground speed at touchdown was approximately 138 knots. There was a tailwind component of about 12 knots when crossing the threshold, which decreased to 6.4 knots at touchdown. After contact, an increase in brake pressure was recorded, the ground spoilers deployed, and the thrust reversers were found deployed.

The runway was wet and visibility was around 1,500 meters with moderate rain. Air traffic control informed the crew that the surface was wet, but did not transmit a Runway Condition Report (RCR) or a Runway Condition Code (RWYCC).

The preliminary report also points to airport-related issues. The meteorological information display equipment in the Benin control tower was out of service. The structure of an unfinished building obstructed the tower’s line of sight to part of Runway 05 (threshold of 23). In addition, the VOR/DME “BEN” (116.5 MHz) and the aerodrome beacon were inoperative, while the ILS/DME “IBE” (109.7 MHz) was working.

The crew had initially been cleared for an ILS approach to Runway 23, but requested and obtained approval for an RNAV approach to 05. The controller advised them that the approach path to 23 looked better, but the crew continued toward 05.

Safety recommendations

The NSIB issued four immediate safety recommendations (A-2026-039 through A-2026-042) addressed to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). They include the removal of the fixed structures of the dismantled localizer at the end of Runway 05, improved visibility from the control tower, and the restoration of the meteorological information display system.

The agency emphasized that these are preliminary findings and that the probable cause of the accident has not yet been determined. The investigation continues and will analyze, among other aspects, runway conditions, meteorological information, the landing gear, operational decision-making, crew training and Enugu Air’s procedures. The sole objective, in accordance with ICAO Annex 13, is the prevention of future accidents and incidents, without apportioning blame or liability.

The Embraer E170LR (MSN 17000274), 17 years old, was originally delivered to EgyptAir Express in March 2009 as SU-GDH. It remained stored in Cairo for several years before moving to Nigeria in 2025, where it operated with Enugu Air (initially under XE Jet’s AOC until the airline obtained its own in March 2026). Following the accident it has been declared a total loss (written off).

Enugu Air is an airline backed by the Enugu state government that began operations in July 2025 and operates a fleet of Embraer regional jets.