The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau on Friday released a preliminary report on its ongoing investigation into the crash landing of an Allied Air Boeing 737-400 Freighter at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, which took place on December 11, 2024.

The bureau stated that the plane was scheduled to collect cargo for the Central Bank of Nigeria.

However, a more detailed report obtained by our correspondent on Saturday, stated, ?The aircraft, en route to collect cargo for the Central Bank of Nigeria, experienced a malfunction with its flaps during its final approach.?

The report details that the aircraft took off from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 09:11 and began its descent into Abuja at 09:44.

The approach was conducted with the First Officer as the Pilot Flying and the Captain as Pilot Monitoring. However, ?during the final approach, attempts to deploy Flaps 30 were unsuccessful, leaving the flaps stuck at Flaps 15.?

Upon landing, ?The aircraft touched down at a speed of 157 knots. A loud bang was reported from the right side upon touchdown. The right main landing gear assembly detached, causing the No. 2 engine nacelle to drag along the runway for approximately 1,172 meters before the aircraft veered off the runway. The aircraft eventually came to rest on the grass verge, ?facing 170 degrees from the runway heading.?

The bureau highlighted the extent of the damage sustained, stating, ?The right main landing gear was found sheared off from its attachment point. The No. 3 and No. 4 main wheel tires burst. Damage was observed on the No. 2 engine nacelle and lower right-wing section.?

Despite the severity of the incident, all occupants escaped unharmed. The report confirmed that ?the structural integrity of the cabin and cockpit remained intact. All occupants exited safely through the forward main door without injuries.?

Regarding the flight crew and aircraft status, the NSIB stated that ?both the Captain and First Officer held valid licenses and medical certificates. The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and had performed 101 landings since November 1, 2024, 85 of which used Flaps 15.?

Weather conditions at the time were deemed not to have contributed to the incident. ?Weather conditions were favourable with no adverse meteorological factors reported. All navigational and communication equipment, except the Airfield Lighting Panel System, were serviceable.?

Initial safety findings indicated that ?no evidence of a hard landing was detected. There were no snags recorded in the aircraft?s technical logbook.?

In response to its findings, the NSIB issued an immediate safety recommendation: ?Safety Recommendation 2025-001: The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority should inspect all Allied Air aircraft for potential mechanical and structural vulnerabilities, specifically focusing on the flap and landing gear systems.?

Further investigations will include ?detailed inspection and examination of the Right Main Landing Gear Assembly? and ?testing and inspection of the flap drive system components, including the transmission assemblies, universal joints, ball nuts, and flap track.? (Saturday PUNCH: Text, Excluding Headline)

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