Runway excursion and fire at Calabar Airport

1 fatality • Calabar, Nigeria • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a runway overrun and subsequent fire during approach to Calabar Airport, resulting in one fatality and ten injuries.

What happened

During an approach to runway 03 at Calacia Airport, the aircraft encountered challenging meteorological conditions, including heavy rainfall, turbulence, and low cloud ceilings of approximately 240 metres. Visibility at the time was restricted to 2,800 metres.

As the aircraft reached the final approach phase, it was noted to be unstable and misaligned with the runway centerline. During the landing sequence, the left main landing gear made contact with the grass area situated to the left of the runway. In an effort to recover the aircraft, the pilot attempted a correction, which caused the plane to veer toward the right side of the runway. This maneuver led to a runway excursion where the aircraft overran the paved surface.

Following the overrun, the aircraft struck a ditch and traveled approximately 1,500 metres before a fire broke out. The incident resulted in one fatality among the crew and 10 injuries to the other occupants on board.

Findings

  • The approach was conducted under adverse weather conditions involving heavy rain and low visibility.
  • The aircraft was unstable and improperly aligned with the runway centerline during the final approach.

Probable cause

The aircraft became unstable and misaligned with the runway centerline during a heavy rain approach, leading to a landing gear excursion and subsequent overrun.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-07-29 BAc 111 accident near Calabar, Nigeria?

An aircraft experienced a runway overrun and subsequent fire during approach to Calabar Airport, resulting in one fatality and ten injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-07-29 BAc 111 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-07-29 involved a BAc 111, registration 5N-BAA, operated by ADC Airlines - Aviation Development Company, at Calabar, Nigeria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft became unstable and misaligned with the runway centerline during a heavy rain approach, leading to a landing gear excursion and subsequent overrun.

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