Kano Airport Departure Accident: Aircraft Overran Runway and Crashed in Gwammaja (5N-ESF)

Flight and Departure Conditions The aircraft was operating a regular scheduled service from Jos to Lagos with an intermediate stop at Kano. At the time of the accident, weather conditions were reported as good, but the outside air temperature was +42°C. ## Runway and Performance Factors Runway 24/06, the longest runway at Kano-Mallam Aminu Kano Airport, was closed because of construction work involving asphalt surface treatment. The crew therefore departed from runway 23, which is 2,600 metres long. The high temperature and reduced performance caused the aircraft to use the full length of the runway. It overran the runway and rolled across a grassy area for a few dozen metres before lifting off. ## Crash and Damage During initial climb, the aircraft had difficulty gaining sufficient altitude and maintaining a positive rate of climb. It then collided with obstacles and crashed in the Gwammaja district, about 2 km beyond the end of runway 23. The aircraft was completely destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. Several buildings were also destroyed, including a school and a mosque. ## Casualties There were 77 people on board. Six survived: five passengers and one stewardess. The other 71 occupants were killed. In addition, 78 people on the ground were killed, and more than 70 other people on the ground were injured, some seriously. ## Maintenance Note It was later reported that the aircraft had been out of service for 52 days because of engine problems. However, both engines had been changed a few days before the accident and had accumulated 10 hours of flight since the change.