The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary report into a runway excursion involving a domestic passenger flight at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in July, identifying wet-runway braking performance and crosswind conditions as factors under continued investigation.
According to the report, the aircraft veered off the paved surface of the runway after landing during heavy rainfall, coming to a stop on adjacent grass without injury to the 98 passengers and six crew on board. The aircraft sustained minor damage to its landing gear and was withdrawn from service pending inspection.
What the Preliminary Report Found
NSIB Director-General Alex Badeh said the preliminary findings, based on flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder analysis, point to a combination of standing water on the runway and a gusting crosswind at the time of landing, though the bureau stressed that a probable cause has not yet been determined. "This is a preliminary report, not a final determination of cause," Badeh said. "Our investigators continue to examine maintenance records, runway drainage conditions and crew actions before, during and after touchdown."
Runway Drainage Under Scrutiny
The report noted that the airport's runway drainage system is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation, following similar concerns raised after wet-weather incidents at other Nigerian airports in recent years. FAAN said it is cooperating fully with the investigation and has commenced an independent review of drainage infrastructure at the airport.
The NSIB said a final report, including any safety recommendations, is expected within the standard investigation timeframe set out under ICAO Annex 13.