•The Enugu Air aircraft
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has identified an inoperative autobrake system as one of several factors in the Enugu Air runway excursion at Benin Airport.
The incident occurred on July 23, when Enugu Air Flight 4264, an Embraer E170 flying from Lagos to Benin, overran Runway 05 during landing, reports Channels TV.
The aircraft touched down about 1,641 metres beyond the runway threshold, at approximately 138 knots, as the crew contended with moderate rain, reduced visibility and a tailwind.
With the autobrake unavailable, the crew relied on manual braking, alongside ground spoilers and thrust reversers, but the aircraft could not stop within the available distance.
It eventually left the runway, striking seven approach lights and two concrete structures, with the landing gear collapsing and the aircraft sustaining substantial damage.
All 68 people on board survived without injury.
The NSIB issued immediate safety recommendations, but stressed that the investigation is still ongoing and no final cause has been established.
“Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) investigators were present at Oba Akenzua II Airport, Benin, when the accident 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 in a statement.
“This Preliminary Report details the initial facts and findings surrounding the occurrence. It includes information gathered from witness statements, flight recorders, ATC transcript and a preliminary inspection of the aircraft. This report presents the current status of the notification processing.
“Its content may still change and does not necessarily bind the conclusions published in the investigation’s final report. 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,” it added.
