Incident Details
On 8 September 2023, at approximately 19:35 h local time, a serious incident occurred involving an Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft bearing nationality and registration marks 5N-BWY, operated by United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited as flight NUA0513. The flight departed Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (DNIM), Owerri, bound for Murtala Muhammed Airport (DNMM), Lagos. On board were 50 persons, including four flight crew members. The pilot served as Pilot Flying and the co-pilot as Pilot Monitoring.
Flight Sequence
The aircraft was off block at about 18:30 h and airborne at 18:48 h. The crew briefed the weather before departure, selecting Asaba Airport (DNAS) as the alternate. During the approach to Lagos, the crew observed a weather system described as high cumulonimbus on the weather radar. They were cleared for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to runway 18L. The preceding traffic, flight APK7183, reported a tailwind of about 9 knots and heavy rain. Landing clearance was issued at 19:32 h.
At 19:33 h, air traffic control observed the aircraft touch down near the middle of runway 18L. The crew reported water on the runway surface, causing the aircraft to skid to the right. Despite efforts to maintain directional control and stop, the aircraft overran the runway end, traversed the clearway, and eventually came to rest on grass. At 19:36 h, the tower requested details, and the pilot confirmed the overrun. The crash alarm was sounded, and runway 18L was closed. Airport firefighters (MMF01, MMF02, MMF03) responded. At 20:13 h, MMF01 reported that all passengers had disembarked without injury.
Weather Conditions
The flight release METAR for Lagos at 1700 UTC indicated wind 240°/09 kt, visibility 10 km, scattered clouds at 360 m, few cumulonimbus at 600 m, temperature 28°C, dew point 25°C, QNH 1012 hPa, with no significant change. During the approach and landing, moderate to heavy rain prevailed. The reported weather at the time included visibility of 5 km in light rain and thunderstorm.
Response
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is conducting the investigation. A preliminary report has been published. The investigation is in its final stage, considering the aircraft's landing performance, prevailing weather conditions, the runway excursion sequence, and air traffic services' response, among other elements. This interim statement was issued on the second anniversary of the incident in accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.