The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has recommended that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) conduct an inspection of all Allied Air aircraft for potential mechanical and structural vulnerabilities, particularly in their flap and landing gear systems.
This recommendation follows an incident involving an Allied Air cargo aircraft (registration number 5N-JRT), which sustained significant damage after skidding off the runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on December 11, 2024.
Incident Details
The cargo flight, AJK206, was en route from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to Abuja to collect cargo for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The aircraft, carrying five crew members, experienced a flap malfunction during its final approach, leading to a high-speed landing at 157 knots.
Upon touchdown, a loud bang was reported from the right side of the aircraft, after which the right main landing gear assembly detached, causing the No. 2 engine nacelle to drag along the runway for 1,172 meters before the aircraft veered off the runway into the grass verge.
The aircraft eventually came to rest facing 170 degrees away from the runway heading, but all crew members evacuated safely through the forward main door without injuries.
NSIB Preliminary Findings
In its preliminary report, the NSIB outlined key findings, including:
- Flap Malfunction: During the final approach, attempts to deploy Flaps 30 failed, leaving the aircraft stuck at Flaps 15.
- Landing Gear Failure: The right main landing gear detached upon touchdown, leading to:
- Damage to the No. 2 engine nacelle.
- Bursting of No. 3 and No. 4 main wheel tires.
- Damage to the lower right-wing section.
- Aircraft’s Condition:
- The aircraft had completed 101 landings since November 1, 2024, with 85 using Flaps 15.
- The aircraft held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness.
- Both the Captain and First Officer had valid licenses and medical certificates.
- Weather and Navigation:
- Weather conditions were favorable, with no adverse meteorological factors reported.
- All navigational and communication equipment were functional, except for the Airfield Lighting Panel System.
- Structural Integrity:
- Despite the damage, the cabin and cockpit remained intact, allowing for a safe evacuation of all crew members.
NSIB Recommendations and Next Steps
Given the recurring flap issues and the landing gear failure, the NSIB has recommended that the NCAA conduct inspections of all Allied Air aircraft, with a specific focus on:
- Flap system components, including transmission assemblies and actuators.
- Landing gear integrity and performance.
- Main wheel tires, to check for possible early signs of failure.
The NSIB will continue investigations, particularly examining the right main landing gear assembly and the flap drive system to determine if any systemic faults contributed to the incident.
Conclusion
While the Allied Air crew escaped unharmed, the incident raises concerns about aircraft maintenance and operational safety. The NCAA’s response to the NSIB’s recommendations will be critical in ensuring safer cargo operations and preventing similar incidents in the future.
