BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
An aircraft with registration 5N-BZN, arriving Enugu from Lagos on thursday evening, experienced a nose-wheel malfunction while landing on Runway 08 at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
The incident occurred at about 19:10 hrs, leaving the aircraft temporarily immobile on the runway, but all passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injury.
According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), emergency response teams were immediately deployed to secure the scene and ensure the safety of everyone on board.
FAAN mobilised its full airport emergency resources, including fire tenders, medical units and rescue personnel, in line with standard aviation safety procedures.
Passengers and crew were calmly disembarked and transported to the terminal using apron buses.
The evacuation process was completed by 19:48 hrs, with FAAN’s Rescue and Firefighting teams maintaining full readiness throughout the operation while the aircraft and surrounding airside were secured.
FAAN emphasised that the safety of passengers, crew and airport users remains its top priority.
In a statement signed by Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the Authority outlined the next steps following the incident.
FAAN will continue to secure the aircraft site and support the operator, while working closely with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) or appropriate investigative body.
These agencies hold statutory responsibility for determining the technical cause of such occurrences.
FAAN pledged full cooperation, providing all necessary information and on-site assistance.
The Authority assured the public that updates will be issued as verified facts emerge, noting that it will not speculate on the cause of the nose-wheel fault at this early stage.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
