Narrative:The Twin Otter crashed after striking trees with the right wingtip and horizontal stabilizer. The trees were located on a 2700 feet hill; the MDA at that point is 3700 feet. A runway 22 instrument approach had to be flown due to bad weather (heavy rain, low clouds, severe turbulence), but the ILS glide path was out of calibration. The pilot is believed to have been flying an ILS localizer approach and using the AU VOR/DME. The pilot possibly thought the AU VOR was located at the runway threshold, while it was actually located 1,3nm short of it, causing a premature descent.
Probable Cause:
CAUSE: Navigation error by the Commander of the aircraft in tracking, the V.O.R signal on the final approach phase of the flight into Abuja Airport. The turbulent weather was also considered to have contributed to the accident.
Classification:
ILS inoperative
Premature descent
Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) - Mountain
Sources:
» ICAO Adrep Summary 1/95
» Scramble 185
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Lagos-Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Abuja International Airport as the crow flies is 509 km (318 miles).
Accident location: Approximate; accuracy within a few kilometers.
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.