Aviation Accidents

The Tragic Story of Nigeria Airways Flight 2120: A Lesson in Aviation Safety

On July 11, 1991, Nigeria Airways Flight 2120 became one of aviation history’s most tragic and cautionary tales. Operated by Nationair Canada on behalf of Nigeria Airways, the ill-fated flight was en route from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Sokoto, Nigeria, with 247 passengers and 14 crew members aboard. Tragically, the flight ended in disaster shortly after takeoff from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, marking one of the deadliest incidents involving a Douglas DC-8.

The Flight and the Aircraft

Flight 2120 was operated using a Douglas DC-8-61, registered as C-GMXQ. Built in 1968, the aircraft was owned by the Canadian charter airline Nolisair and leased to Nationair Canada, which was conducting Hajj pilgrimage flights for Nigeria Airways. The flight was part of an ongoing airlift of Nigerian pilgrims returning home.

The experienced crew onboard included Captain William Allan, with 10,700 flight hours, and First Officer Kent Davidge, who had logged 8,000 flight hours. Flight Engineer Victor Fehr rounded out the leadership team, with 7,500 hours of experience. Despite their expertise, a series of preventable mechanical issues led to the catastrophic failure.

What Went Wrong?

Investigators identified the primary cause of the crash as underinflated tires on the aircraft’s main landing gear. During takeoff, the tires overheated and burst, causing structural damage. Friction from the metal-on-metal contact ignited a fire that quickly spread to the hydraulic systems and cabin.

As the pressurization system failed, smoke filled the cabin, incapacitating many passengers. Despite the crew’s valiant attempts to return to the airport, the aircraft succumbed to the fire and crashed just 2.5 kilometers from the runway, killing everyone on board.

Lessons Learned

The tragedy of Flight 2120 underscored the importance of meticulous maintenance in aviation. Proper tire inflation and regular inspections could have prevented this disaster. Moreover, the incident exposed regulatory and oversight issues within the charter airline industry, leading to increased scrutiny of safety practices.

Predictive Maintenance in Commercial Aircraft: A Game-Changer for Aviation

Walk around check
Walk Around / Outside Check

Aftermath

The crash devastated the families of the 261 victims and left an indelible mark on the aviation industry. Nationair Canada faced legal and financial repercussions, ultimately leading to its bankruptcy in 1993. The incident remains the deadliest accident involving a DC-8 aircraft and a Canadian-operated flight.

Remembering the Victims

Flight 2120’s legacy serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in aviation safety. Memorials and retrospectives continue to honor the lives lost in this preventable tragedy, encouraging the global aviation community to prioritize safety above all else.

FAQs

  • 1. What caused the crash of Nigeria Airways Flight 2120? The crash was caused by underinflated tires that overheated, burst, and ignited a fire in the landing gear assembly, leading to catastrophic systems failure.
  • 2. Who operated the aircraft? The DC-8 was owned by Nolisair and operated by Nationair Canada on behalf of Nigeria Airways.
  • 3. How many people were on board? There were 247 passengers and 14 crew members aboard, all of whom perished in the crash.

Conclusion

The Nigeria Airways Flight 2120 disaster is a somber chapter in aviation history. By understanding the causes and consequences, the aviation industry can continue striving to make air travel as safe as possible.