On October 15, 1988, a Boeing 737-200 (registration 5N-ANW) operated by Nigeria Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Port Harcourt, Nigeria during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Heavy rainfall contributed to an inability to stop the aircraft within the runway limits, leading to a runway overrun and gear collapse. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
An aircraft experienced a runway excursion at Port Harcourt Airport following touchdown in heavy rainfall, resulting in structural damage and multiple injuries.
What happened
During an approach to Port Harcourt Airport, the aircraft encountered significant weather conditions characterized by intense rainfall. Upon completing the landing sequence and making contact with the runway, the pilot was unable to decelerate the plane sufficiently before reaching the end of the available pavement. This resulted in a runway overrun.
As the aircraft exited the paved surface and moved onto soft ground, the structural integrity of the landing gear was compromised. The nose gear and the right main landing gear collapsed under the stress of the terrain. The incident concluded with the aircraft coming to a complete stop on the airfield.
Findings
The primary factor in the excursion was the inability to stop within the remaining runway distance during heavy precipitation.
The impact with soft ground led to the collapse of both the nose and right main gear.
There were 36 injuries reported among the occupants.
The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Probable cause
Heavy rainfall contributed to an inability to stop the aircraft within the runway limits, leading to a runway overrun and gear collapse.
