Accident Overview
On approach at night, a cargo flight from Brussels to Johannesburg with an intermediate stop in Lagos was cleared by air traffic control to land on runway 19R. However, runway 19R was closed to traffic due to resurfacing work, while runway 19L was the runway in service at the time.
Circumstances
After touchdown, the aircraft collided with several pieces of equipment on the runway, then veered off to the left and came to rest. All nine occupants on board escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Aftermath
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority was not aware of the closure of runway 19R, nor of the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) regarding the closure, until after the accident occurred. Runway 19R was not properly closed in accordance with standard practice, as the runway lights were all switched on, indicating that the runway was serviceable.
Official Findings
The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIPB) reported that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority did not know of the runway closure, nor was it aware of the NOTAM until the accident occurred. Runway 19R was not properly closed in accordance with standard practice, as the runway lights were all switched on indicating runway serviceability.