Why Dana Air crash-landed in Lagos, NSIB’s reveals

Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has revealed a preliminary report regarding the incident involving a Dana Air aircraft at Lagos Murtala Mohammed Airport on April 23.

The plane, which took off from Abuja, attempted to land but swerved off the runway.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority consequently decided to temporarily halt Dana Air’s operations.

All 82 passengers and 6 crew members on board were unhurt.

According to the NSIB’s preliminary findings released on Saturday, the incident was attributed to a malfunctioning Nose Landing Gear (NLG).

The report detailed that “prior to landing, the crew selected the landing gear down, and the Main Landing Gear Indication Lights showed green. However, the Nose Landing Gear (NLG) Indication Light remained red.”

The crew followed standard procedures by attempting to cycle the landing gear and executing the Emergency Gear Extension checklist, but the NLG did not confirm a down and locked position.

“During a low pass over the airport, Air Traffic Control (ATC) visually confirmed that the NLG appeared extended,” the report continued.

Upon touchdown, the Ground Spoilers did not deploy as anticipated. The aircraft experienced severe vibrations and loud noises from the NLG area during the landing roll. Initially, the NLG stayed extended but collapsed at around 80 knots.

For safety reasons, the Captain initiated an evacuation, and all passengers and crew safely exited using the Forward Service Door and the deployed escape slide.

The NSIB stressed that this is an initial report and that the investigation is ongoing. The bureau will continue to collect and analyze evidence to pinpoint the exact cause of the incident.

The runway at Lagos airport was briefly closed following the Dana Air incident, however it was reopened a few hours later.