The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into an Enugu Air aircraft runway excursion at Benin Airport after the jet overran the runway during landing on Thursday. All 68 people on board escaped unharmed, highlighting the importance of determining the cause to strengthen aviation safety.
The aircraft, an Embraer E170 operating as Flight 4264 with registration 5N-ENR, was travelling from Lagos to Benin when it overran the end of Runway 05 at about 3:10 p.m. local time (1410 UTC).
The NSIB said the aircraft was carrying 63 passengers and five crew members. It confirmed that all occupants were safely accounted for and that no injuries were reported.
Following notification of the incident, the Bureau deployed its Go Team to the airport within minutes to begin an independent investigation.
Investigators are collecting and preserving evidence, interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions, and reviewing operational and technical information to determine the cause of the occurrence.
The Bureau also confirmed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the country’s aviation regulator, and other relevant airport authorities had been notified. The aircraft has been secured pending the investigation.
Commenting on the incident, NSIB Director-General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. welcomed the fact that no lives were lost or injuries sustained.
“We are relieved that all passengers and crew members are safe. While this is reassuring, every runway excursion is a serious occurrence that requires a thorough and independent investigation. Our investigators arrived at the scene within minutes, reflecting our commitment to a swift and professional response. We urge the public to avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing,” he said.
The NSIB is Nigeria’s independent transport accident investigation agency responsible for identifying the causes of aviation, rail and maritime occurrences and issuing safety recommendations to prevent future incidents. Its investigations are intended to improve safety rather than assign blame.
The Bureau said it will issue a preliminary report within 30 days, in line with regulatory requirements. A final report containing its findings and safety recommendations will be published after the investigation is completed.
The NSIB also called on airlines, regulators and other aviation stakeholders to continue prioritising safety and to cooperate fully with investigators as efforts continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the runway excursion.
