What happened
On July 23, 2025, a Diamond DA40 NG aircraft bearing registration 5N-BZI, operated by the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, was conducting a solo training exercise at Zaria Aerodrome (DNZA). The flight, scheduled under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), involved circuit and landing practice for a student pilot.
After departing runway 23 at 13:20 h and completing five successful maneuvers, the aircraft returned for a final full-stop landing at approximately 13:50 h. Following touchdown, the student pilot requested clearance to turn and backtrack toward the apron. The Duty Air Traffic Controller (DATCO) approved the request with instructions to expedite.
During the ground maneuver, the aircraft veered right. According to the pilot's account, the nose landing gear struck a grass verge while the right main landing gear entered a pothole obscured by overgrown grass at the edge of the runway pavement. At 13:52 h, the pilot reported an off-runway situation to air traffic control. Ground personnel were dispatched to assess the scene. The student pilot exited the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) examined the sequence of events leading to the excursion. Investigators reviewed radio communications between the student pilot and the DATCO, which confirmed the pilot's report of being off the runway shortly after the landing. The bureau verified that visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the incident.
Findings
The investigation established that the aircraft left the paved surface due to ground handling issues during the backtrack maneuver. Key factors include:
- The nose landing gear contacting a grass verge.
- The right main landing gear entering a pothole covered with vegetation at the runway edge.
- The pilot's decision to maneuver on the ground surface which contained uneven terrain and obscured hazards.
Safety action
The NSIB has completed the draft final report, which is currently undergoing internal review. This interim statement was issued on the first anniversary of the incident in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 provisions.