The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau released a preliminary report on Friday regarding its ongoing investigation into the crash landing of an Allied Air Boeing 737-400 Freighter at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on December 11, 2024. According to the agency, the jet was supposed to retrieve cargo for the Central Bank of Nigeria.
According to a more thorough report obtained by our correspondent on Saturday, “the aircraft, en route to collect cargo for the Central Bank of Nigeria, experienced a malfunction with its flaps during its final approach.”
According to the report, the aircraft took off from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 09:11 and began descending into Abuja at 09:44.
The approach was carried out with the First Officer as the pilot flying and the Captain as the pilot monitoring. Still, “during the final approach, attempts to deploy Flaps 30 were unsuccessful, leaving the flaps stuck at Flaps 15.”
“The aircraft touched down at 157 knots.” A loud explosion was heard from the right side after touchdown. The right main landing gear component detached, causing the No. 2 engine nacelle to skid along the runway for almost 1,172 meters before the aircraft swerved off it. The aircraft eventually came to a stop on the grass edge, “facing 170 degrees from the runway heading.”
The bureau highlighted the extent of the damage sustained, stating, “The right main landing gear was found sheared off from its attachment point. The No. 3 and No. 4 main wheel tires burst. Damage was observed on the No. 2 engine nacelle and lower right-wing section.”
“Despite the gravity of the situation, all occupants survived unscathed. The assessment stated that “the structural integrity of the cabin and cockpit remained intact.”
All people left safely through the forward main door with no injuries.” Regarding the flight crew and aircraft status, the NSIB said that “both the Captain and First Officer had valid licenses and medical certifications.
The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and has made 101 landings since November 1, 2024, 85 of which were on Flaps 15.”
The weather conditions at the time were determined not to have contributed to the occurrence.
“Weather conditions were ideal, with no detrimental meteorological elements reported. Except for the Airfield Lighting Panel System, all navigation and communication equipment was in working order.”
“The initial safety reports said that “no evidence of a hard landing was detected.” There were no issues in the aircraft’s technical logbook.
“Safety Recommendation 2025-001: The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority should inspect all Allied Air aircraft for potential mechanical and structural vulnerabilities, specifically focusing on the flap and landing gear systems,” was the NSIB’s prompt safety recommendation in response to its findings.
Additional inquiries will involve “testing and inspection of the flap drive system components, including the transmission assemblies, universal joints, ball nuts, and flap track,” as well as “detailed inspection and examination of the Right Main Landing Gear Assembly.”