B-737-400 aircraft incident: NSIB directs NCAA to inspect all Allied Air aircraft for mechanical, structural vulnerabilities
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has directed the
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to inspect all Allied Air aircraft for potential mechanical and structural vulnerabilities, specifically focusing on the flap and landing gear systems aimed at enhancing aviation safety.
The directive formed part of the recommendations issued by the NSIB while releasing the preliminary report on its ongoing investigation into the incident involving a Boeing 737-400 Freighter aircraft on the 11 December 2024 with
nationality and registration marks 5N-JRT, operated by Allied Air Limited.
The bureau in a statement signed by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji,
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau said the next Steps in the Investigation will focus on a detailed inspection of the right main landing gear assembly, the
testing and examination of the aircraft’s flap drive system components, including
transmission assemblies and actuators
Oladeji stated that the NSIB also recommended further analysis on the main wheel tyres for any indications of failure or wear.
According to her: “The aircraft, en
route to collect cargo for the Central Bank of Nigeria, experienced a malfunction with its flaps
during its final approach at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Upon landing, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the No. 2 engine nacelle to drag
along the runway. The aircraft veered off the runway and came to rest on the grass verge. All
six occupants onboard were unharmed, and no injuries were reported”.
Oladeji stated that the preliminary findings are subject to further analysis, and the final report will
provide detailed conclusions and recommendations aimed at enhancing aviation safety.
The bureau explained that: ” The aircraft departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos) at
09:11 and began descent into Abuja at 09:44. The approach was conducted with the First Officer as Pilot Flying and the Captain as Pilot Monitoring.
During the final approach, attempts to deploy Flaps 30 were unsuccessful,
leaving the flaps stuck at Flaps 15.
The aircraft touched down at a speed of 157 knots.
A loud bang was reported from the right side upon touchdown.
The right main landing gear assembly detached, causing the No. 2 engine
nacelle to drag along the runway for approximately 1172 meters before the
aircraft veered off the runway.
The aircraft came to rest on the grass verge, facing 170 degrees from the runway heading”.
On the damage Assessment, the bureau said the right main landing gear was found sheared off from its attachment point while the No. 3 and No. 4 main wheel tires burst while damage was observed on the No. 2 engine nacelle and lower right-wing section.
The report noted that the structural integrity of the cabin and cockpit remained intact.
According to the preliminary report, all occupants exited safely through the forward main door without injuries as both the Captain and First Officer held valid licenses and medical certificates while the aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and had performed 101 landings since November 1, 2024, 85 of which used Flaps 15.
The NSIB pointed out that the Weather conditions were favourable with no adverse meteorological factors
reported.
The report observed that all navigational and communication equipment, except the Airfield Lighting Panel System, were serviceable.
The bureau stated that no evidence of a hard landing was detected while
there were no snags recorded in the aircraft’s technical logbook.
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