The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has identified an inoperative autobrake system, late weather deterioration and runway-end safety concerns among the factors being examined in its investigation into the Enugu Air runway excursion at Benin Airport.
The incident occurred on July 23, 2026, when Enugu Air Flight ENU4264, operated with an Embraer ERJ 170-100LR registered as 5N-ENR, overran Runway 05 at Oba Akenzua II Airport while operating a scheduled service from Lagos.
The aircraft had five crew members and 63 passengers on board. All 68 occupants evacuated safely without injury and there was no post-impact fire.
According to the NSIB preliminary report, the crew had identified during the approach briefing that the aircraft’s autobrake system was not functioning and that manual braking would therefore be used during landing.
The aircraft landed on Runway 05 as weather conditions deteriorated, with moderate rain and reduced visibility reported during the approach. The aircraft subsequently overran the runway and entered the unpaved area beyond the runway end.
During the excursion, the aircraft struck seven approach-lighting installations and two fixed concrete structures associated with a decommissioned localiser installation. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft and its landing gear collapsed.
The NSIB said the flight crew were properly licensed and qualified for the operation, while the aircraft held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. The take-off, climb, cruise and descent phases of the flight were reported to have been normal.
The bureau stressed that the preliminary findings do not represent a final determination of the cause of the accident. Investigators are continuing technical examinations and analysis of evidence gathered from witness accounts, flight recorders, air traffic control communications and an initial inspection of the aircraft.
As part of its immediate response, the NSIB issued four safety recommendations addressing runway-end infrastructure, air traffic control visibility and the availability of meteorological information at the airport.
The bureau called for the removal of fixed structures associated with the decommissioned localiser installation at the end of Runway 05. It also recommended measures to ensure that the control tower has an unrestricted view of the airport’s movement areas.
Another recommendation directed at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) called for the provision of a suitable control tower location for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to ensure adequate visibility across the aerodrome.
The NSIB also asked the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to restore and maintain the weather information display equipment provided for operational use in the Benin control tower, ensuring that current meteorological information is reliably available to air traffic services for dissemination to flight crews.
The recommendations highlight broader safety issues beyond the aircraft’s braking system, particularly the condition of the runway-end environment, air traffic control infrastructure and availability of timely weather information.
The NSIB said its investigation was being conducted under the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations 2026 and Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
It emphasised that the sole objective of the investigation is to prevent future accidents and incidents and not to apportion blame or liability.
The bureau cautioned that the information contained in the preliminary report remains subject to further review and analysis. Its final report will contain the bureau’s conclusions and any additional safety recommendations arising from the completed investigation.
