The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has recommended to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to inspect all the aircraft in the fleet of Allied Air aircraft for potential mechanical and structural vulnerabilities, including flap and landing gear systems.
The immediate safety recommendation is contained in the Bureau’s preliminary report released Saturday on its investigation into the incident involving Allied Air’s aircraft which occurred at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) on Nigeria on December 11, 2024.
Recall that the airline’s Boeing 737-400 freighter aircraft, marked 5N-JRT, experienced a malfunction with its flaps during its final approach at NAIA.
The aircraft, which operated as flight AJK206 from the international wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, was en route to collect cargo for the Central Bank of Nigeria when the incident occurred.
Upon landing, the NSIB said in the preliminary report that the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the No. 2 engine nacelle to drag along the runway.
“Shortly after, a bang was heard from the aircraft’s right side, and then the aircraft collapsed to its right while the Flight Crew attempted to maintain directional control.
“The aircraft proceeded the landing roll as its Number 1 engine nacelle dragged on the runway for 1172 m before it veered off to the right of the runway centerline.
“The aircraft came to a final stop in the grass verge and made a 170˚ turn to the right.
“The flight crew then shut down the engines and secured the aircraft. All the occupants exited the aircraft through the forward main door without injuries,” it said.
The bureau said further investigation will focus on a detailed inspection of the right main landing gear assembly; testing and examination of the aircraft’s flap drive system components, including transmission assemblies and actuators and further analysis on the main wheel tyres for any indications of failure or wear.
