The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report on the crash landing of an Allied Air Boeing 737-400 Freighter at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on December 11, 2024.
According to the report, the aircraft, which was scheduled to collect cargo for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), experienced a flap system malfunction during its final approach.
The aircraft departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 09:11 and commenced its descent into Abuja at 09:44. During the approach, the First Officer was the Pilot Flying, while the Captain acted as the Pilot Monitoring. However, attempts to deploy the flaps to 30 degrees were unsuccessful, leaving them stuck at Flaps 15.
Upon landing, the aircraft touched down at a speed of 157 knots. A loud bang was reported from the right side of the plane as the right main landing gear assembly detached. This caused the No. 2 engine nacelle to drag along the runway for approximately 1,172 meters before the aircraft veered off onto the grass verge, coming to rest at an angle of 170 degrees from the runway heading.
The NSIB report detailed the extent of the damage, noting that the right main landing gear was completely sheared off, while the No. 3 and No. 4 main wheel tires burst. Additional damage was observed on the No. 2 engine nacelle and lower right-wing section.
Despite the severity of the incident, all occupants onboard escaped uninjured, with the structural integrity of the cabin and cockpit remaining intact. The report confirmed that all crew members safely exited the aircraft through the forward main door.
The NSIB further stated that both the Captain and First Officer had valid licenses and medical certificates. The aircraft also held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and had completed 101 landings since November 1, 2024, 85 of which used Flaps 15.
Weather conditions at the time of the incident were favorable, and no adverse meteorological factors were reported. All navigational and communication systems were functional, except for the Airfield Lighting Panel System.
The investigation found no evidence of a hard landing, and no prior mechanical issues were recorded in the aircraft’s technical logbook.
Following its initial findings, the NSIB issued an immediate safety recommendation, advising the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to conduct thorough inspections of all Allied Air aircraft, focusing on potential vulnerabilities in the flap and landing gear systems.
Further investigations will include detailed examinations of the right main landing gear assembly and comprehensive testing of the flap drive system components.
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