An Enugu Air aircraft carrying 63 passengers and five crew members overran the runway after landing at Benin Airport on Thursday, prompting the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to launch an investigation and disrupting flight operations.
The Embraer E170 operated as Flight 4264 from Lagos to Benin. The aircraft, registered as 5N-ENR, landed on Runway 05 at about 3:10 p.m and failed to stop on the runway and came to rest in nearby bushes.
Emergency responders quickly evacuated all occupants. Though, no one suffered injuries, the runway excursion forced airport authorities to close the runway temporarily. As a result, Air Peace suspended all flights to and from Benin Airport.
Enugu Air confirmed the incident in a statement shortly after it occurred saying all passengers and crew members left the aircraft safely. It also confirmed that the aircraft remained secured while officials began their investigation.
Enugu Air said it had notified the relevant aviation authorities in line with established procedures.
The airline warned that the incident could affect some flight schedules. It said it would contact affected passengers directly and provide the necessary assistance.
Passenger Benjamin Mordi described the landing as unusual. According to him, the aircraft touched down much farther along the runway than expected. It continued moving toward the runway’s end before leaving the paved surface.
“I can’t really explain everything, but what we noticed was that the aircraft didn’t touch the ground where it was supposed to land. It landed almost at the end of the runway, and the plane just kept going until God helped us to stop where we eventually stopped,” he said.
Mordi also expressed relief that everyone escaped safely. “We all disembarked safely, and we thank God. It could have been a different story today, but God spared every one of us,” he added.
The NSIB dispatched its Go Team to Benin Airport within minutes of receiving the report.
Investigators preserved evidence, interviewed the flight crew and other personnel, inspected the aircraft, examined the runway, and reviewed operational and technical records. The bureau also informed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other airport authorities about the incident.
NSIB Director-General Capt. Alex Badeh Jr. welcomed the fact that no one was injured. However, he stressed that every runway excursion demands a thorough and independent investigation.
“Our Go Team was on the ground within minutes of notification, and that speed of response reflects the readiness and professionalism of our investigators,” he said.
Badeh urged the public to avoid speculation while investigators determine the cause of the incident.
The bureau said it would release a preliminary report within 30 days. It will publish a final report with safety recommendations after completing the investigation.
