Enugu Air runway overrun in Benin investigated by NSIB

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report regarding the July 23 runway excursion involving an Enugu Air Embraer ERJ 170-100LR at Benin's Oba Akenzua II Airport. The aircraft, flying from Lagos, overran Runway 05, striking approach-lighting installations and two decommissioned concrete structures. All 63 passengers and five crew members were evacuated safely without injury.

Investigators noted that Air Traffic Control (ATC) had advised the crew that the approach to Runway 23 appeared better than Runway 05 and warned that the runway surface was wet due to deteriorating weather and rain. Despite this, the crew continued the approach to Runway 05.

The NSIB identified several infrastructure and safety concerns, including unserviceable meteorological information display equipment and an uncompleted building that obstructed the controller’s line of sight to the end of the runway. Consequently, the bureau has issued four immediate safety recommendations to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.