7 fatalities

1985-12-31: BAe 125 (5N-AXP) — Federal Government of Nigeria — Kaduna, Nigeria

Kaduna, NigeriaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 31, 1985, a BAe 125 (registration 5N-AXP) operated by Federal Government of Nigeria was involved in an aviation accident near Kaduna, Nigeria during landing or approach. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident was not determined with certainty. However, it is believed that the loss of control was the consequence of the combination of the following factors: lack of altitude awareness on part of the crew, crew distraction, poor… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781217793Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft was cleared to descend to 4,500 feet, lost control, and crashed in an open field 32 km short of runway. All seven occupants were killed. The exact cause remains undetermined.

Accident

The aircraft was cleared to descend to 4,500 feet when it went out of control and crashed in an open field located 32 km short of the runway. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact, and all seven occupants were killed.

Investigation

The investigation into the accident focused on the circumstances leading to the loss of control. The crew had been cleared to descend to 4,500 feet, but the aircraft deviated from controlled flight and struck the ground well before reaching the runway. The wreckage was scattered across the field, and the aircraft was completely destroyed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the exact cause of the accident was not established with certainty. However, it is believed that the loss of control resulted from a combination of factors: lack of altitude awareness on the part of the crew, crew distraction, poor judgment on the part of the crew, and a possible optical illusion or wrong perception during the approach due to the intensity of the approach lights.