NSIB flags building blocking Benin airport tower view

An uncompleted building obstructing the Benin Airport's control tower view is facing potential demolition following a serious runway overrun incident involving an Enugu Air aircraft in July. The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) identified the structure as a significant safety concern requiring urgent attention in its latest preliminary report.

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An uncompleted building structure is obstructing the controller’s line of sight towards the end of Runway 05 (Runway 23 threshold end).

The building reportedly blocks the air traffic controller's line of sight towards the end of Runway 05, specifically impacting the view of the Runway 23 threshold. This obstruction poses a direct risk to aviation safety, as highlighted by the NSIB's findings.

The July incident involved Enugu Air flight ENU4264, an Embraer ERJ 170-100LR, which was traveling from Lagos to Benin. The aircraft experienced a runway overrun shortly after touchdown on Runway 05. Contributing factors included an inoperative autobrake system and landing on a wet runway amidst deteriorating weather conditions. Despite the severity of the incident, all 68 individuals on board, including five crew members, evacuated safely using emergency slides without sustaining injuries.

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Manual braking would be used for landing.

NSIB's preliminary findings indicated that the aircraft's initial flight phases were normal, and the crew was properly licensed and qualified. The aircraft also possessed a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. However, both the Pilot Flying and Pilot Monitoring had noted the unavailability of the autobrake system prior to landing, planning to rely on manual braking. Weather conditions worsened during the approach, with moderate rain and reduced visibility reported. Flight recorder data revealed a tailwind during the final approach and landing. While the air traffic controller advised the crew that the approach to Runway 23 appeared better, they proceeded with the RNAV approach to Runway 05. The controller informed the crew the runway was wet, but a formal Runway Condition Report or Code was not provided.

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ATC advised the crew that the approach path to Runway 23 appeared better than the approach path to Runway 05; the crew acknowledged and continued the RNAV approach to Runway 05.