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3 fatalities

Aircraft Crash During Approach to Abuja-Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport (5N-ATQ)

Abuja, NigeriaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 13, 1994, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration 5N-ATQ) operated by Aero Contractors was involved in an aviation accident near Abuja, Nigeria during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew who initiated the descent prematurely, causing the aircraft to descend too low too early. Poor weather conditions were considered as contributing factors. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into a mountain slope 12.2 km short of runway 22 at Abuja-Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport after a premature final approach in poor weather. Two people survived, and three were killed.

Incident Overview and Weather Conditions During the approach to Abuja-Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, the flight crew encountered adverse weather, including low clouds, heavy rain, and moderate to severe turbulence. The instrument landing system (ILS) was out of calibration, prompting the crew to conduct a VOR/DME approach instead. However, a misunderstanding regarding the VOR location led the crew to begin the final approach prematurely. The aircraft descended too low and struck the slope of a mountain located 12.2 km short of runway 22. Two individuals survived the crash, while three others were killed.

Probable cause

Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew who initiated the descent prematurely, causing the aircraft to descend too low too early. Poor weather conditions were considered as contributing factors.
Controlled flight into terrainWeather

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Sept 1994 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Abuja, Nigeria?

An aircraft crashed into a mountain slope 12.2 km short of runway 22 at Abuja-Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport after a premature final approach in poor weather. Two people survived, and three were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Sept 1994 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Sept 1994 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration 5N-ATQ, operated by Aero Contractors, at Abuja, Nigeria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Wrong approach configuration on part of the crew who initiated the descent prematurely, causing the aircraft to descend too low too early. Poor weather conditions were considered as contributing factors.

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