The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has identified an inoperative autobrake system as one of several factors involved in the runway excursion of an Enugu Air aircraft at Benin Airport.
The incident occurred on 23 July when Enugu Air Flight 4264, operated with an Embraer E170, overran Runway 05 while landing at Oba Akenzua II Airport, Benin.
According to the NSIB’s preliminary findings, the aircraft touched down about 1,641 metres beyond the runway threshold at approximately 138 knots.
The crew was also dealing with moderate rain, reduced visibility and a tailwind during the landing.
With the autobrake system unavailable, the crew applied manual braking and deployed the ground spoilers and thrust reversers. However, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway distance.
It subsequently left the runway, striking seven approach lights and two concrete structures. The landing gear collapsed and the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
All 68 people on board survived the incident without injury.
Investigation ongoing
The NSIB said it had issued immediate safety recommendations following the occurrence but stressed that its investigation was continuing and that no final cause had yet been established.
The bureau said its investigators were at Oba Akenzua II Airport when the incident occurred and responded immediately.
“Post-occurrence assessments commenced under the provisions of the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations 2026 and Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation,” the agency said.
It explained that the preliminary report was based on information gathered from witness statements, flight recorders, air traffic control transcripts and an initial inspection of the aircraft.
“This Preliminary Report details the initial facts and findings surrounding the occurrence,” the NSIB said, adding that the information represented the current status of the investigation and could change as further evidence was obtained.
The bureau cautioned that the preliminary findings should not be interpreted as the final conclusions of the investigation.
“It does not necessarily bind the conclusions published in the investigation’s final report,” it said.
The NSIB also emphasised that the investigation was being conducted in accordance with international aviation standards and was focused on preventing future accidents and incidents rather than assigning blame.
“In accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the sole objective of this investigation is the prevention of accidents and incidents. It is not the purpose of the investigation to apportion blame or liability,” the bureau said.
The final report is expected to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the circumstances surrounding the runway excursion and determine the contributing factors and, where established, the cause of the occurrence.
