Enugu Air CEO Explains Runway Excursion, Reaffirms Airline’s Safety Record

The management of Enugu Air has attributed the safe outcome of its recent runway excursion to the professionalism of its flight crew, favourable weather conditions and a swift emergency response.

The incident involved Enugu Air Flight 4264, with registration number 5N-ENR, which was operating from Lagos to Benin on Thursday when it overran the runway. All 63 passengers and five crew members were safely evacuated without fatalities.

Reacting to the incident, the airline's Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Manager, Captain Tolu Ita, said the pilots handled the situation professionally, while the wet ground and grassy terrain may have helped prevent a more serious accident.

Speaking during an interview on TVC News, Ita explained that preliminary findings indicate the aircraft landed normally before deploying its braking system and reverse thrust, but was unable to stop before exiting the runway.

"Based on the crew's account, it was a normal approach and landing. The brakes and reverse thrust were deployed, but the aircraft did not stop. It eventually went beyond the runway and came to rest in a grassy area," she said.

She added that the crew immediately carried out an emergency evacuation, ensuring all passengers safely exited the aircraft.

Ita disclosed that Enugu Air has completed its preliminary internal investigation and will submit its findings to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), which is conducting an independent investigation into the incident.

She noted that engineers are working with the NSIB to retrieve and analyse the aircraft's flight data recorder, commonly known as the black box, which will provide detailed information about what occurred during the flight.

"The black box will reveal exactly what happened. Until the NSIB completes its investigation, we cannot make any definitive conclusions," she said.

The airline's chief executive stressed that the incident should not define Enugu Air's safety record, noting that the airline has successfully operated more than 3,500 flights since receiving its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) on March 10 and commencing commercial operations on March 16.

"One incident out of more than 3,500 successful flights is not enough to define an airline. Even some of the country's leading airlines have experienced runway excursions without it diminishing their safety records," Ita said.

She reaffirmed that Enugu Air remains committed to the highest safety standards and expressed confidence in the airline's operational procedures.

"I can confidently say that Enugu Air is one of the safest airlines to fly in Nigeria today," she added.

Ita also reflected on how the situation could have been far worse, revealing that the aircraft's two main landing gears collapsed during the excursion, with one collapsing beneath the wing that contained fuel.

According to her, the wet conditions and soft grassy surface likely prevented sparks that could have triggered a fire.

"I believe the rain and the grass helped reduce the impact. The soft ground prevented sparks, and that may have been crucial in preventing a more serious outcome," she said.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau is expected to release its findings after completing a comprehensive investigation into the incident.