NSIB investigates Enugu Air landing scare

Flight operations at Benin Airport in Edo State were disrupted on Thursday after an Enugu Air aircraft carrying 63 passengers and five crew members veered off the runway after landing, prompting an investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and the temporary suspension of Air Peace flights to and from the airport.

The Embraer E170 aircraft, operating Flight 4264 from Lagos to Benin with registration 5N-ENR, overran the end of Runway 05 at about 3:10 p.m. local time and came to a stop in the surrounding bush.

Enugu Air confirmed that all 68 occupants were safely evacuated without injuries or fatalities.

In a statement, the airline said one of its aircraft experienced a runway excursion after landing in Benin but assured the public that the aircraft had been secured and the relevant aviation authorities notified in line with established procedures.

The airline added that the incident could lead to temporary adjustments to some flight schedules, noting that affected passengers would be contacted and assisted accordingly.

A passenger on board, Benjamin Mordi, described the landing as unusual, saying the aircraft appeared to touch down close to the end of the runway before continuing off the paved surface.

He said the aircraft failed to land at its expected touchdown point and continued moving until it eventually stopped, adding that all passengers disembarked safely without injuries.

Following the incident, the NSIB deployed a Go Team to Benin Airport to begin a full-scale investigation.

According to the bureau, investigators immediately secured the scene, interviewed the flight crew and other personnel, examined the aircraft, assessed runway conditions, and reviewed operational and technical records to determine the cause of the runway excursion.

The bureau also confirmed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant airport authorities had been notified.

NSIB Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., expressed relief that no injuries were recorded but stressed that every runway excursion is treated as a serious safety occurrence requiring an independent investigation.

He urged the public to avoid speculation while investigators carry out their work in accordance with international aviation standards.

The bureau said a preliminary report would be released within 30 days, while a final report containing safety recommendations would be published after the investigation is concluded.

The incident also affected airport operations, forcing Air Peace to suspend all flights to and from Benin Airport following the temporary closure of the runway.

In a statement, the airline said the cancellations were beyond its control and apologised to passengers for the inconvenience, assuring them that normal operations would resume once airport authorities reopen the runway.