A preliminary report on a plane crash that killed at least 13 people in Nigeria, says the crew discussed concerns about the aircraft before departure and the captain took off despite continuous automated voice warnings and the first officer’s suggestion they abort the flight.
The report from Nigeria’s Accident Investigation Bureau said on Friday that Associated Airline’s Brazilian-made Embraer-120 aircraft “impacted the ground in a nose-down near 90-degree right bank”.
Flight 361 burst into flames meters from a fuel depot tank soon after taking off 3 October from Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. It was carrying 13 passengers and seven crew members.
The report said the investigation is focusing on “mechanical and electronic engine control issues” with one engine and propeller systems and crew decision-making.