No fatalities

Cargo Aircraft Overruns Runway, Collides with Equipment at Abuja Airport (EK-74798)

Abuja-Nnamdi Azikiwe, NigeriaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 4, 2013, a Boeing 747-200 (registration EK-74798) operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines - SAUDIA was involved in an aviation accident near Abuja-Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident resulted as the crew was not updated on the information available on the reduced runway length. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 747-200
Photo: Tosaka / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A cargo aircraft overran the displaced threshold of runway 04 at Abuja-Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, veered off, and collided with parked excavators and trucks. All six occupants were uninjured; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Accident Sequence

During an uneventful cargo flight from Jeddah, the crew completed the approach and landing procedures on runway 04 at Abuja-Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport. On the landing roll, the aircraft overran the displaced threshold, then veered to the right and departed the runway surface. While traversing a grassy area, the aircraft collided with several parked excavator equipment and trucks before coming to a halt.

Damage

The impact severely damaged both wings and engines. The aircraft was assessed as damaged beyond repair.

Occupants

All six occupants escaped uninjured.

Probable Cause and Contributing Factors

The official investigation determined that the accident resulted because the crew was not updated on the information available regarding the reduced runway length. Several contributing factors were identified:

1. Lack of briefing by Saudia dispatcher during pre-flight. 2. Runway status was missing from Abuja ATIS information. 3. Ineffective communication between crew and ATC on short finals. 4. The runway markings and lighting did not depict the displaced threshold. 5. The entire runway lighting was ON beyond the displaced threshold.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Dec 2013 Boeing 747-200 accident near Abuja-Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria?

A cargo aircraft overran the displaced threshold of runway 04 at Abuja-Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, veered off, and collided with parked excavators and trucks. All six occupants were uninjured; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Dec 2013 Boeing 747-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Dec 2013 involved a Boeing 747-200, registration EK-74798, operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines - SAUDIA, at Abuja-Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident resulted as the crew was not updated on the information available on the reduced runway length.