What happened
A charter flight traveling from Lagos to Port Harcourt was conducting a night approach to the airport when the accident occurred. The four-engine aircraft was transporting 53 passengers and a crew of four, along with a cargo of ammunition. During the descent, the pilot maintained visual contact with the runway; however, the aircraft's altitude was insufficient. The left wing made contact with two trees, causing the plane to stall.
The resulting crash took place several kilometers short of the runway, where the aircraft impacted residential houses and burst into flames. The impact and subsequent fire led to the deaths of all 57 occupants on the aircraft. Additionally, one individual on the ground was killed in the accident. Due to the presence of ammunition on board, the crash site experienced significant explosions following the initial impact.
Findings
- The pilot failed to maintain a safe altitude during the night approach.
- Contact with trees caused the aircraft to lose lift and stall.