Date: 11th December 2024
Location: Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Nigeria
Aircraft: Boeing 737-400 Freighter, registration 5N-JRT
Operator: Allied Air Cargo
Flight Number: 4W-206
Route: Lagos to Abuja, Nigeria
Occupants: 5 crew
Injuries: None reported
Damage: Substantial
Summary of Events
On 11th December 2024, an Allied Air Cargo Boeing 737-400 freighter, operating flight 4W-206 from Lagos to Abuja, experienced a runway excursion upon landing at Abuja’s runway 22. The aircraft veered off the right side of the runway into the grass and came to rest in a ditch. All five crew members were evacuated and taken to a medical clinic for evaluation, with no injuries reported. The aircraft sustained significant damage, including the separation of a landing gear strut.
Sequence of Events
1. Approach and Landing:
• The flight departed Lagos and conducted an approach to Abuja’s runway 22.
• The aircraft landed at 10:05 local time but began to veer off the right side of the runway shortly after touchdown.
2. Runway Excursion:
• Ground markings revealed only tracks of the left main gear on the runway, with no evidence of the right main gear contacting the surface.
• The aircraft continued into the grass, where it came to rest in a ditch. A gear strut was found separated from the aircraft in the grass.
3. Evacuation and Immediate Response:
• All five crew members evacuated the aircraft safely and were taken to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) clinic for precautionary checks.
4. Initial Investigation:
• Nigeria’s National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has opened an investigation into the occurrence.
Initial Findings
1. Runway Excursion Evidence:
• Ground markings indicate that the left main gear maintained contact with the runway, while the right gear appears to have failed or separated during landing.
2. Aircraft Damage:
• The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including separation of a landing gear strut.
3. Weather Conditions:
• Initial reports did not indicate adverse weather conditions as a contributing factor.
Safety Risks
1. Landing Gear Failure:
• The separation of the landing gear strut suggests a possible mechanical failure or structural issue during landing.
2. Runway Excursion:
• Veering off the runway increases the risk of collision with obstacles and damage to the aircraft.
3. Crew Safety:
• Although no injuries were reported, runway excursions can pose significant risks to crew and passengers.
Recommendations
1. Inspection of Landing Gear Systems:
• Conduct a thorough inspection of the aircraft’s landing gear to identify any mechanical or structural deficiencies.
2. Runway Safety Measures:
• Ensure runway surfaces and adjacent areas are clear of potential hazards that could exacerbate damage during excursions.
3. Crew Training:
• Reinforce training for managing abnormal situations during landing, including gear failures and directional control issues.
4. Fleet-Wide Inspections:
• Review the maintenance and inspection records for similar aircraft in the operator’s fleet to identify any systemic issues.
Safety Lessons
This accident highlights the importance of robust landing gear maintenance and monitoring systems to prevent structural failures during critical flight phases. It also underscores the need for quick and effective crew response in mitigating the consequences of runway excursions.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
