February 01, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released the preliminary report on its ongoing investigation into the incident involving a Boeing 737-400 Freighter aircraft, operated by Allied Air Limited with nationality and registration marks 5N-JRT.
One of the report’s recommendations is that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) inspects all Allied Air aircraft for potential mechanical and structural vulnerabilities, specifically focusing on the flap and landing gear systems.
In an official statement issued Saturday, signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance of NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the Bureau stated that the incident occurred at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja, Nigeria, on December 11, 2024.
According to NSIB, “The aircraft, en route to collect cargo for the Central Bank of Nigeria, experienced a malfunction with its flaps during its final approach at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
“Upon landing, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the No. 2 engine nacelle to drag along the runway. The aircraft veered off the runway and came to rest on the grass verge. All six occupants onboard were unharmed, and no injuries were reported.
“The aircraft departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos) at 09:11 and began the descent into Abuja at 09:44. The approach was conducted with the First Officer as Pilot Flying and the Captain as Pilot Monitoring. During the final approach, attempts to deploy Flaps 30 were unsuccessful, leaving the flaps stuck at Flaps 15. The aircraft touched down at a speed of 157 knots. A loud bang was reported from the right side upon touchdown. The right main landing gear assembly detached, causing the No. 2 engine nacelle to drag along the runway for approximately 1172 metres before the aircraft veered off the runway. The aircraft came to rest on the grass verge, facing 170 degrees from the runway heading.
“The right main landing gear was found sheared off from its attachment point. The No. 3 and No. 4 main wheel tires burst. Damage was observed on the No. 2 engine nacelle and lower right-wing section. The structural integrity of the cabin and cockpit remained intact. All occupants exited safely through the forward main door without injuries.
“Both the Captain and First Officer held valid licences and medical certificates. The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and had performed 101 landings since November 1, 2024, 85 of which used Flaps 15. Weather conditions were favourable with no adverse meteorological factors reported. All navigational and communication equipment, except the Airfield Lighting Panel System, were serviceable.”
Initial Safety Findings showed that “no evidence of a hard landing was detected. There were no snags recorded in the aircraft’s technical logbook”, the statement added.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
