Nigeria launches investigation after Enugu Air aircraft overruns runway in Benin
Nigeria's safety investigators have launched a probe after an Enugu Air Embraer E170 overran the runway during landing at Benin Airport. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injuries.
- The NSIB has launched an investigation into Enugu Air Flight 4264's runway excursion at Benin Airport.
- All occupants were safely evacuated and no injuries or fatalities were reported.
- Investigators are examining the aircraft, runway conditions and operational factors before issuing a preliminary report.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into a runway excursion involving an Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft after it overran the runway while landing at Benin Airport on 23 July 2026.
According to the bureau, the aircraft was operating as Flight 4264, registered 5N-ENR, from Lagos to Benin when it overran the end of Runway 05 at approximately 3:10 p.m. local time (1410 UTC).
The NSIB said all occupants were safely accounted for following the incident and that no injuries were reported.
The bureau stated that there were 63 passengers and five crew members on board the aircraft.
Following notification of the occurrence, the NSIB deployed its Go Team to the accident site within minutes to begin gathering and preserving evidence.
According to the bureau, investigators have commenced interviews with the flight crew and other relevant personnel.
They are also examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions and reviewing operational and technical information to determine the circumstances and contributing factors that led to the runway excursion.
The NSIB said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant airport authorities had been notified of the occurrence.
The aircraft has since been secured while the investigation continues.
NSIB Director-General Capt. Alex Badeh Jr. said the absence of injuries was encouraging but stressed that the incident warranted a comprehensive investigation.
"We are relieved that all passengers and crew members are safe and that no injuries were reported. While this is reassuring, every runway excursion is a serious occurrence that deserves a thorough and independent investigation," Capt. Badeh said.
He added that investigators reached the scene shortly after the bureau received notification of the occurrence.
"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.
Capt. Badeh also urged members of the public to avoid speculation while investigators conduct their work in accordance with international standards.
The bureau said it would issue a preliminary report within 30 days in line with regulatory requirements.
A final investigation report, including any safety recommendations arising from the inquiry, will be published after the investigation has been completed.
The NSIB also called on aviation stakeholders to cooperate fully with investigators and continue prioritising aviation safety.
Enugu Air separately confirmed that one of its aircraft experienced a runway excursion after landing at Benin Airport.
In a statement published on its official X account, the airline said all passengers and crew members safely disembarked from the aircraft and that there were no injuries or casualties.
The airline said the aircraft had been secured and that the relevant aviation authorities had been notified in accordance with established procedures.
It added that an assessment of both the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence was underway.
Enugu Air warned that the incident could temporarily affect some of its scheduled operations.
The airline said passengers whose flights were affected by any schedule adjustments would be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance.
It reiterated that the safety of its passengers, crew and operations remained its highest priority.
In a subsequent message on X, the airline thanked passengers for their patience, understanding and cooperation.
It again confirmed that all passengers and crew had safely disembarked without injuries and said further updates would be provided through its official communication channels.
Emergency responders attended the scene after the aircraft came to rest beyond the runway.
Videos circulating after the incident showed the Embraer E170 off the runway and resting in nearby vegetation.
A runway excursion refers to an event in which an aircraft unintentionally leaves the runway surface during take-off or landing.
According to Daily Trust, Enugu Air initially described the occurrence as a runway incursion before later correcting its description to a runway excursion.
The airline subsequently used the corrected terminology in its public statements.
The investigation is expected to focus on the sequence of events leading to the aircraft overrunning the runway, as well as any operational, technical or environmental factors that may have contributed.
The findings of the investigation may also result in safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar occurrences in future.
Under international aviation investigation standards, the purpose of such investigations is to determine the circumstances and contributing factors of an occurrence and to improve aviation safety, rather than to apportion blame or liability.
Until investigators complete their work, the precise cause of the runway excursion remains undetermined.
