The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into a runway excursion involving an Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft at Benin Airport (BNI).
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, the NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, on Thursday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the aircraft, operating as Flight 4264 (registration 5N-ENR) from Lagos (LOS) to Benin (BNI), overran the end of Runway 05 during landing at approximately 1510 hours local time (1410 UTC) on Thursday.
“There were 63 passengers and five crew members on board. All passengers and crew have been accounted for, and no injuries have been reported.
“The NSIB’s Go Team was mobilised and arrived at the occurrence site within minutes of notification, underscoring the Bureau’s commitment to rapid and effective emergency response.
“The team is gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing flight crew and other relevant personnel, examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions, and reviewing all other relevant operational and technical information to determine the circumstances and contributing factors.”
The statement said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and relevant airport authorities had been notified, and the aircraft had been secured.
Commenting on the incident, the Director-General of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh, said the bureau was relieved that all passengers and crew members were safe with no injuries reported.
“While this is reassuring, every runway excursion is a serious occurrence that deserves a thorough and independent investigation.
“Our Go Team was on the ground within minutes of notification, and that speed of response reflects the readiness and professionalism of our investigators.
“We urge the public to refrain from speculation as our investigators carry out their work in accordance with international standards,” he said.
Badeh added that a preliminary report would be issued within 30 days, in line with regulatory requirements, while the final investigation report, including safety recommendations, would be published upon completion.
He urged all stakeholders in the aviation industry to continue prioritising safety and to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
