How Benin runway incident exposed fresh safety gaps, triggered recommendations — NSIB

A recent runway overrun incident at Benin Airport has exposed significant safety gaps, prompting the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to issue immediate recommendations. The NSIB's preliminary report highlights concerns related to the runway-end environment, the control tower's line of sight, and the availability of meteorological information.

The incident occurred on July 23 when an Embraer ERJ 170-100LR aircraft, operated by Enugu Air Limited, overshot Runway 05 after landing. The aircraft, carrying 63 passengers and five crew members, struck approach-lighting installations and two concrete structures associated with a decommissioned localizer. Fortunately, all 68 occupants were safely evacuated using emergency slides, with no injuries reported.

The NSIB's preliminary findings detail the sequence of events leading up to the overrun. The flight from Lagos experienced rain around Benin Airport. Although initially cleared for an ILS approach to Runway 23, the crew requested and received approval for an RNAV approach to Runway 05. Air traffic control advised of approximately 1,500 meters visibility in moderate rain and cautioned the crew about a wet runway surface.

While these factors were noted, the NSIB has not yet established any single cause for the runway overrun. The investigation is ongoing, requiring further technical examination and analysis. The report draws information from witness statements, flight recorder data, air traffic control communications, and an initial aircraft inspection.

In response to the findings, the NSIB has issued four immediate safety recommendations (A-2026-039 to A-2026-042) to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). These recommendations aim to address the identified safety concerns and prevent future occurrences.

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The bureau has consequently issued four immediate safety recommendations to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) as part of its ongoing investigation into the 23 July incident.