NSIB releases preliminary report on Allied air incident

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary report on the incident involving a Boeing 737-400 Freighter aircraft (5N-JRT), operated by Allied Air Limited.

The aircraft was en route to collect cargo for the Central Bank of Nigeria when it experienced a malfunction with its flaps during its final approach at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Upon landing, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the No. 2 engine nacelle to drag along the runway for approximately 1,172 meters before the aircraft veered off the runway and stopped on the grass verge. All six people on board, including two flight crew, two engineers, and two CBN personnel, were unharmed.

NSIB’s investigation revealed that the aircraft, which had departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 09:11, experienced difficulty deploying Flaps 30 during the final approach.

As a result, the crew opted to continue the landing with Flaps 15. Upon touchdown at a speed of 157 knots, a loud bang was heard from the right side, which led to the detachment of the right main landing gear.

The No. 3 and No. 4 main wheels burst, but the structural integrity of the cabin and cockpit remained intact. The Captain and First Officer held valid licenses and medical certificates.

The NSIB has recommended that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) inspect Allied Air’s fleet for potential mechanical and structural vulnerabilities, particularly regarding the flap and landing gear systems.

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Further investigation will focus on a detailed inspection of the right main landing gear assembly.

The flight was on a positioning mission to pick up cargo for the CBN, and during the final approach, the crew noted issues with the flaps.

The aircraft had departed Lagos for Abuja as part of a multi-sector flight schedule. The incident occurred during daylight under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), and the flight crew managed to bring the aircraft to a stop without any injuries.

The NSIB has issued an immediate safety recommendation and continues its investigation into the incident.