NSIB Probes Enugu Air Benin Airport Incident

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into a runway excursion involving an Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft at Benin Airport in Edo State.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the bureau said the aircraft, operating as Flight 4264 with registration 5N-ENR from Lagos to Benin, overshot the end of Runway 05 while landing atapproximately 3:10 p.m. local time.

According to the NSIB, the flight was carrying 63 passengers and five crew members, all of whom were safely evacuated. The bureau confirmed that no injuries were reported.

Following notification of the incident, the NSIB said it immediately deployed its Go Team to the scene to secure and collect evidence for the investigation.

Investigators are currently interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, inspecting the aircraft, assessing runway conditions,and reviewing operational and technical records to determine thecause of the runway excursion and any contributing factors.

The bureau added that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant airport agencies had been informed, while the aircraft has been secured pending the outcome of the investigation.

Reacting to the incident, NSIB Director General capt. Alex Badeh Jr. expressed relief that everyone on board escaped unharmed, describing the outcome as reassuring but stressing that every runway excursion must be thoroughly and independently investigated.

He noted that investigators arrived at the accident site within minutes of receiving the report, highlighting the bureau’s preparedness and professionalism.

Badeh also urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing and assured further called on stakeholders across the aviation sector to prioritise safety and cooperate fully with that it would be conducted in line with international standards.

The NSIB said it would release a preliminary report within 30 days, as required by regulations, while a final report containing its findings and safety recommendations would be published after the investigation is completed.

The bureau further called on stakeholders across the aviation sector to prioritise safety and cooperate fully with investigators.

The investigation follows Thursday’s incident inwhich an Enugu Air aircraft veered off the runway after landing at Benin Airport.

The airline confirmed that all passengers and crew members were safelyevacuated without injury, describing the occurrence as a runway excursion involving one of its Embraer regional jets.

Enugu Air also stated that aviation authorities had been notified and warned that the incident could lead to temporary disruptions to some flight schedules.

“As a result, there may be temporary adjustments to some flight schedules. Passengers affected by any changes will be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance,” the airline said.