The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has commenced an investigation into the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft at Benin Airport, Edo State.
The aircraft, operating Flight 4264 with registration number 5N-ENR, departed Lagos for Benin but overran the end of Runway 05 while landing on Thursday afternoon.
According to the NSIB, the incident occurred at about 3:10 p.m. with 63 passengers and five crew members on board. The bureau confirmed that everyone aboard the aircraft was safely accounted for and that no injuries were recorded.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, the agency said its investigators were immediately deployed to the scene.
“The NSIB’s Go Team was mobilised and on the ground at the occurrence site within minutes of notification, underscoring the Bureau’s commitment to a rapid and effective emergency response,” it said in a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe.
“The team is gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing the 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 to the occurrence.”
The bureau disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant airport authorities had been notified, while the aircraft has been secured pending the outcome of the investigation.
Commenting on the development, the Director-General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed relief that the incident did not result in any casualties but stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation.
“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 added.
The NSIB said a preliminary report on the incident would be released within 30 days in line with regulatory requirements, while a final report containing safety recommendations would be issued after the investigation is concluded.
The runway excursion temporarily disrupted flight operations at Benin Airport as emergency personnel secured the aircraft and aviation officials assessed the situation.
Meanwhile, Enugu Air acknowledged that the incident could lead to temporary changes to some of its flight schedules. The airline assured passengers that those affected would be contacted directly and provided with the necessary support.
