The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into a runway excursion involving an Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft at Benin Airport.
The Bureau said a preliminary report on the incident will be issued within 30 days, in accordance with regulatory requirements. The development comes after the aircraft overran the end of Runway 05 during landing on Thursday, 23 July 2026.
The aircraft, operating as Enugu Air Flight 4264, was flying from Lagos to Benin when the runway excursion occurred at approximately 1510 hours local time. The aircraft bears registration 5N-ENR.
There were 63 passengers and five crew members on board the aircraft. However, the NSIB confirmed that everyone on board had been accounted for, with no injuries reported following the occurrence.
Runway Excursion Investigation Begins at Benin Airport
According to a statement signed by the NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, the Bureau’s Go Team was mobilised immediately after receiving notification of the occurrence.
The investigation team arrived at the scene within minutes of being notified. Meanwhile, investigators have begun gathering and preserving evidence from the occurrence site.
The team is also interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel as part of the investigation. In addition, investigators are examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions and reviewing relevant operational and technical information.
The investigation is expected to help determine the circumstances surrounding the runway excursion. It will also examine any factors that may have contributed to the aircraft overrunning the end of Runway 05.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and relevant airport authorities have been notified about the occurrence. The aircraft has also been secured as the investigation continues.
30-Day Preliminary Report Expected
The NSIB said a preliminary report will be issued within 30 days, providing an early account of the investigation’s findings.
However, the preliminary report will not necessarily represent the final determination of the cause of the incident. The Bureau said its investigation would continue until all relevant evidence and information have been thoroughly assessed.
The final investigation report will be published upon completion of the process. It will also include any safety recommendations arising from the investigation.
Commenting on the occurrence, NSIB Director General, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., expressed relief that all passengers and crew members survived without injuries.
“We are relieved that all passengers and crew members are safe and that no injuries were reported,” Badeh said.
He, however, stressed that the occurrence required a thorough investigation despite the absence of injuries.
“While this is reassuring, every runway excursion is a serious occurrence that deserves a thorough and independent investigation,” he said.
Badeh also highlighted the speed of the NSIB’s response following notification of the incident.
“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.
The NSIB Director General further urged the public and aviation stakeholders to avoid speculation while investigators work to establish the facts.
“We urge the public to refrain from speculation as our investigators carry out their work in accordance with international standards,” he said.
Runway Excursion Investigation to Establish Cause
A runway excursion occurs when an aircraft unintentionally leaves the designated runway surface during take-off or landing. Such occurrences can result from several factors, including runway conditions, aircraft performance, weather, operational circumstances or other contributing factors.
Therefore, investigators will examine the available evidence before determining what led to the Enugu Air aircraft overrunning Runway 05.
