The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has officially commenced its investigation into the incident involving a Boeing 737 registered as 5N-BYQ from Aerocontractors Airlines.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:47 am (Local Time) on November 12, 2023, when the aircraft was landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja from Lagos.
Director of public affairs and consumer protection at the NSIB, Dr. James Odaudu reported that the incident took place as the aircraft attempted to exit the runway via A4, resulting in its nose wheel getting stuck in the grass verge, while the fuselage remained on the runway.
Following the occurrence, the runway was temporarily closed until the aircraft could be towed away. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
The NSIB is actively seeking cooperation from the public, encouraging the submission of pictures, videos, or any other recording evidence that could contribute to a thorough and comprehensive investigation.
Odaudu emphasised the importance of respecting the privacy of individuals on board and cautioned against making assumptions about the cause of the incident until the formal report is released.
For those willing to provide information, the NSIB can be contacted through email at info@aib.gov.ng and via social media platforms at NSIB Nigeria. An emergency line is also available at +234-807-709-0909.
As a multimodal investigation agency, the NSIB holds the mandate to investigate transportation accidents and serious incidents in Nigeria. The primary goal is to identify probable causes and make safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The NSIB has assured the public of a prompt release of the preliminary report as soon as it becomes available.
