Wet Runway, Poor Weather Put 68 Enugu Air Passengers at Risk in Benin

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has identified deteriorating weather, a wet runway and a tailwind as key factors in the runway overrun involving an Enugu Air Embraer ERJ 170-100LR aircraft at Benin Airport.

The aircraft, registered 5N-ENR, was operating a Lagos-Benin flight on July 23, when it overran Runway 05 after landing.

All 68 passengers and crew members aboard an Enugu Air aircraft had a narrow escape after the plane overran the runway at Benin Airport, according to a preliminary investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

The Embraer ERJ 170-100LR aircraft, registered 5N-ENR, was operating a Lagos-Benin flight on July 23rd when it overshot Runway 05 after landing. The 63 passengers and five crew members evacuated safely, with no injuries reported.

The NSIB identified deteriorating weather, a wet runway and tailwind as key factors that contributed to the runway overrun.

According to the preliminary report, visibility had reduced to about 1,500 metres amid moderate rain, while the crew had been advised that the runway was wet. The aircraft’s autobrake system was also inoperative, meaning the crew had to depend on manual braking during landing.

The aircraft touched down at about 138 knots, approximately 1,642 metres from the runway threshold, before continuing beyond the runway and eventually stopping about 325 metres past its end.

The investigation also found that the landing clearance issued to the crew did not contain a Runway Condition Report or Runway Condition Code, information considered important for assessing braking conditions on a wet runway.

The NSIB further identified an unserviceable weather information display at the airport’s control tower, which could affect the availability of critical weather information to air traffic controllers and flight crews.

Adding to the concerns, fixed structures from a decommissioned localizer installation remained beyond the runway end. The aircraft struck the structures during the overrun, resulting in the separation of its nose and main landing gears and damage to both engines and other parts of the aircraft.

Following its preliminary findings, the NSIB recommended the removal of the fixed structures beyond the runway, improved visibility from the control tower and restoration of the weather information display system.

The bureau said the investigation is continuing, with further examination expected to focus on runway conditions, weather information, aircraft damage, crew decision-making and operational procedures.

The NSIB stressed that the preliminary report does not apportion blame or establish liability, noting that its findings may change as the investigation progresses.

Reporting by Nosa Aituamen