No fatalities

1997-09-12: Dornier DO228 (NAF034) — Nigerian Air Force — Nguru, Nigeria

Nguru, NigeriaTakeoff (climb)

On September 12, 1997, a Dornier DO228 (registration NAF034) operated by Nigerian Air Force was involved in an aviation accident near Nguru, Nigeria during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost directional stability after driving through significant accumulations of water on the runway. 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.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781205814Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft veered off the runway and entered a ditch during its takeoff roll, resulting in no injuries but significant damage to the plane.

What happened

During the initial stages of the takeoff roll, the aircraft lost directional control. The movement caused the plane to veer away from the active runway and eventually come to a stop inside a nearby ditch.

Despite the impact with the terrain, all 10 occupants on board were able to evacuate the wreckage without sustaining any injuries. While there were no casualties, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.

Findings

Investigations into the incident determined that the loss of control was triggered when the aircraft encountered large puddles located on the runway surface during the takeoff sequence.

Probable cause

The aircraft lost directional stability after driving through significant accumulations of water on the runway.