Runway excursion during cargo flight approach in Lagos

No fatalities • Lagos-Murtala Muhammed, Nigeria • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight operating from Brussels to Johannesburg experienced a runway excursion after landing on a closed runway at Lagos.

What happened

A cargo flight traveling from Brussels to Johannesburg, which included a scheduled stop in Lagos, was involved in a runway excursion during a night approach. While the aircraft was cleared to land on runway 19R, this specific runway was actually closed to operations at the time due to ongoing resurfacing work. The active runway available for use was 19L.

Upon touching down on the inactive runway, the aircraft struck various pieces of ground equipment. The impact caused the plane to veer toward the left side of the runway before eventually coming to a halt. Although the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair, all nine occupants managed to exit the wreckage without sustaining any injuries.

Findings

The primary factor in the accident was an incorrect landing clearance provided by Air Traffic Control. The crew was instructed to land on runway 19R, despite the fact that the runway was out of service for maintenance and the appropriate runway for the approach was 19L.

Probable cause

Air Traffic Control issued a landing clearance for a runway that was closed for resurfacing work.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-11-29 Boeing 747-200 accident near Lagos-Murtala Muhammed, Nigeria?

A cargo flight operating from Brussels to Johannesburg experienced a runway excursion after landing on a closed runway at Lagos.

Were there any fatalities in the 2003-11-29 Boeing 747-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-11-29 involved a Boeing 747-200, registration ZS-OOS, operated by Hydro Air Cargo, at Lagos-Murtala Muhammed, Nigeria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Air Traffic Control issued a landing clearance for a runway that was closed for resurfacing work.

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