Dana Air Plane Overshoots Runway at Lagos Airport, Prompting Closure and Investigation

On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, a Dana Air plane overshot the runway at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos, Nigeria, prompting the temporary closure of runway 18L. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 with registration 5N-BKI, was carrying 83 passengers and 6 crew members on a flight from Abuja to Lagos when the incident occurred around 9:20 am local time.

According to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), initial findings indicate that the aircraft experienced a technical problem with its landing gear and encountered directional control issues upon landing. This caused the plane to veer off the runway and onto the grassy area, resulting in a runway excursion. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft without any reported injuries or fatalities.

The NSIB has initiated an investigation into the incident and has dispatched a team to the scene. Investigators have retrieved the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder for analysis. The investigation will examine various aspects, including the airworthiness of the aircraft, operational policies, weather conditions, air traffic control communications, human factors, and the crew's health and mental status. A preliminary report is expected to be released within 30 days, with a final report and safety recommendations to follow upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Why this matters: The Dana Air runway excursion incident highlights the importance of aviation safety and the need for thorough investigations to identify potential safety deficiencies and prevent similar occurrences in the future. The incident also underscores the critical role of regulatory oversight and the implementation of safety recommendations to maintain public confidence in air travel.

In response to the incident, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) took prompt action to evacuate and recover the aircraft, and conducted a thorough inspection of the runway to ensure it was safe for operations. After clearing any debris, FAAN re-opened the runway and issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) accordingly. Dana Air has apologized to affected passengers for the disruption to their travel plans and commended the crew's professionalism in handling the incident. The airline stated that it is working to minimize disruptions and accommodate passengers' travel needs. "Dana Air has extended its apologies to affected passengers and reassured them that the airline is committed to upholding the highest safety standards and providing exceptional service," the NSIB reported.

Key Takeaways

• Dana Air plane overshot runway at Lagos airport on April 23, 2024.
• Plane experienced technical issues with landing gear and directional control.
• All passengers and crew evacuated safely with no injuries or fatalities.
• NSIB launched investigation to examine airworthiness, policies, and crew factors.
• Regulatory oversight and safety recommendations are crucial for public confidence.