What happened
On 12 July 1968, a non-scheduled cargo flight operating on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria departed Brussels for Lagos. The aircraft, carrying 34,994 kg of freight and no passengers, began its descent from FL330 after communicating with Lagos approach control. During the approach, the crew reported that the Ibadan NDB appeared to be non-functional.
As the flight progressed toward Lagos, the aircraft's speed was reduced to comply with landing gear extension limits, and the autopilot was likely disengaged during this period. The flight path involved a procedure turn south of the airport. At 0359 hours, the crew requested that the runway lights be set to maximum brightness, but they were informed the lights were on low intensity. Following a transmitter switch, the aircraft disappeared from radio contact and crashed approximately 8.5 miles north of the airport on the extended centerline of the runway. The impact caused an immediate fire that destroyed the wreckage. There were seven fatalities and no survivors.
Findings
Investigation into the accident determined that the primary cause was the aircraft descending below its minimum safe altitude for reasons that remained undetermined. Several contributing factors were identified:
- The crew performed a night approach without the benefit of ILS glide slope or marker beacon guidance.
- There was a lack of specific instructions regarding altitude monitoring by the non-flying pilot and the necessity of cross-checking altimeters during the approach phase.
- The aircraft maintained a continuous descent from FL275 to the point of impact without providing intermediate reports on its position or height after passing the Ibadan beacon.