A Boeing 737-36Q Passenger aircraft belonging to Aerocontractors Airlines has moved away from the paved surface of the Runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Sunday.
Although no injury or fatality was recorded during the event , the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, an agency of the Federal Government, confirmed that the aircraft got involved in a “serious accident” around 10.47 am upon arriving at the NAIA from Lagos.
The Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NSIB, James Odaudu, confirmed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, adding that investigations into the accident had commenced.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it has commenced investigation into a serious incident involving a Boeing 737 with registration number 5N-BYQ operated by Aero contractors Airlines.
The incident occurred around 10:47am on Sunday after the aircraft landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from Lagos.
The Bureau in a statement by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Dr James Odaudu stated that the aircraft had its nose wheel stuck in the grass verge with its fuselage on the runway while the aircraft was exiting the runway via A4.
The bureau said the incident led to the temporary closure of the runway. The statement reads:
“The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, has been notified and has commenced investigation into a serious incident involving a Boeing 737 with Nationality and Registration Marks 5N-BYQ belonging to Aero contractors Airlines, which occurred around 10:47am (Local Time) on 12th November, 2023.
“The aircraft upon landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from Lagos and in a bid to exit the runway via A4 had its nose wheel stuck in the grass verge with its fuselage on the runway.
“Consequently, the runway was closed pending the towing of the aircraft from the runway.
The aircraft is one of two Boeing B737 classics procured by the Cross River State Government to float its own airline, Cally Air a startup, registered as a full-service carrier with its main hub at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in the Cross River State capital, Calabar.
The Bureau has urged the public to support it with information in form of pictures, video or recording evidences to assist in conducting a comprehensive investigation.
It added that it would appreciate the general public and press respect the privacy of the people on board and not assume the cause of the incident until formal report is released.
The Bureau while promising to release the preliminary report as soon as possible, said it can be reached through info@aib.gov.ng and NSIB_Nigeria on its social media platforms and on its emergency line +234-8077090909.
