NSIB reveals Allied Air plane crashed on CBN errand

• Published On: 02 February 2025 at 19:32

The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau has issued a preliminary report on the Allied Air cargo plane crash on December 11, 2024.

According to the NSIB's report on Saturday, the plane was en route to pick up cargo for the Central Bank of Nigeria when it crashed.

"On 11 December 2024, a Boeing 737-400F aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-JRT, operated by Allied Air Limited was on a positioning flight to pick up cargo for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)," a report states.

According to the report, the aircraft took off from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 09:11 and descended into Abuja at 09:44.

"Upon landing,"The aircraft touched down at 157 knots. A loud bang was heard from the right side after touchdown. The right main landing gear assembly detached, causing the No. 2 engine nacelle to drag along the runway for about 1,172 meters before the aircraft veered off it. The aircraft eventually came to a stop on the grass verge, "facing 170 degrees from the runway heading."

Despite the gravity of the situation, all occupants escaped unscathed. The report stated that "the structural integrity of the cabin and cockpit remained intact." All occupants exited safely through the forward main door with no injuries."

Regarding the flight crew and aircraft status, the NSIB stated that "both the Captain and First Officer held valid licenses and medical certificates. The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and had made 101 landings since November 1, 2024, 85 of which were on Flaps 15."

The initial safety findings stated that "no evidence of a hard landing was detected." There were no snags in the aircraft's technical logbook.

In light of its findings, the NSIB issued an immediate safety recommendation: "Safety Recommendation 2025-001: The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority should inspect all Allied Air aircraft for potential mechanical and structural vulnerabilities, specifically focussing on the flap and landing gear systems."