Enugu Air Embraer 170LR plane crash
Benin City, Nigeria
Updated on
The Embraer ERJ 170-100LR operated by Enugu Air was performing scheduled passenger flight from Lagos, Nigeria, to Benin City, Nigeria. There were 63 passengers and 5 crewmembers onboard. While landing on Runway 05 at Oba Akenzua II Airport in Benin City, the aircraft overran the end of the runway and continued into the unpaved area beyond it. All three landing-gear assemblies separated from the aircraft during the runway excursion. All 68 occupants evacuated without injury.
On arrival at Benin City, the crew had initially been cleared for an ILS approach to Runway 23 before requesting an RNAV approach to Runway 05. Air traffic control advised that the approach path to Runway 05 appeared cloudy and that the approach path to Runway 23 appeared better. The crew nevertheless elected to continue the approach to Runway 05.
A few minutes before landing, the tower reported visibility of about 1,500 metres in moderate rain. The controller also advised the crew that the runway surface was wet. According to the preliminary report issued by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the landing clearance did not include a Runway Condition Report (RCR) or a Runway Condition Code (RWYCC).
Flight Data Recorder information indicates that the aircraft crossed the Runway 05 threshold at a radio altitude of about 93.5 feet. It touched down approximately 1,641.5 metres beyond the threshold at a recorded groundspeed of about 138.2 knots. With the runway approximately 2,400 metres long, only about 758 metres of paved surface remained for the aircraft to decelerate and stop.
A tailwind component was recorded during final approach and landing. It was about 12 knots while crossing the threshold and had decreased to about 6.4 knots at touchdown. After touchdown, the available data show an increase in brake pressure. The ground spoilers deployed and the thrust reversers were found in the deployed position.
During the approach briefing, the First Officer stated that the aircraft’s autobrake system was not working and that manual braking would therefore be used for landing. The crew was aware of this condition before touchdown. At the preliminary-report stage, the NSIB has not determined the probable cause of the accident and has not established that the unavailable autobrake system was the cause.
After overrunning the runway, the Embraer entered the unpaved area beyond the runway end. It struck approach-lighting installations and two fixed concrete structures associated with a decommissioned localizer installation. The landing-gear assemblies broke away from the aircraft. The aircraft came to rest approximately 325 metres beyond the end of Runway 05. There was no post-impact fire.
The 63 passengers and 5 crewmembers evacuated through the emergency escape slide at the left rear door. No injuries were reported.
Airport equipment under examination
The preliminary investigation identified several issues concerning the airport environment. The weather-information display equipment provided for operational use in the control tower was unserviceable. The controllers’ line of sight towards part of the runway was also obstructed by an unfinished building. The Benin VOR/DME and the aerodrome beacon were unavailable, while the Runway 23 ILS/DME was serviceable.
The NSIB issued four immediate safety recommendations to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. They include removing the fixed structures associated with the decommissioned localizer beyond Runway 05, improving the control tower’s view of the movement area, and restoring the weather-information display equipment.
The aircraft
The Embraer ERJ 170-100LR involved in the accident was registered 5N-ENR and carried manufacturer serial number 17000274. Built in 2009, it had previously been operated by EgyptAir Express as SU-GDH before moving to Nigeria. It was powered by General Electric CF34-8E5 engines. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the runway excursion.