The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated an investigation into a significant incident involving an Embraer ERJ145 aircraft with registration number 5N-BWY, which is operated by United Nigeria Airlines. The incident occurred at around 06:33 p.m. on September 8, 2023, and involved 51 passengers and four crew members on board.
According to a statement released on Saturday morning by NSIB’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Tunji Oketunbi, and signed by James Odaudu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the aircraft skidded off Runway 18R at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, upon landing. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or fatalities.
The aircraft skidded off the runway during a downpour on Friday night, as reported by Findwhosabi. The flight had successfully arrived from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri but lost grip on the wet runway surface during the landing due to the rainy conditions.
The NSIB is now seeking assistance from the public to provide any information, including pictures, videos, or recordings, that could contribute to their comprehensive investigation. They can be contacted through info@aib.gov.ng, NSIB_Nigeria on social media, or their emergency line at +234-807-709-0909.
The NSIB emphasizes the importance of respecting the privacy of those involved and advises against making assumptions about the incident’s cause until the formal report is released. The NSIB is responsible for investigating transportation accidents and serious incidents in Nigeria to identify probable causes and provide safety recommendations to prevent future occurrences. They plan to release a preliminary report soon.