What the study found
The study found that recorded aircraft occurrences in Nigeria from 2000 to 2020 were more often serious incidents than accidents. It also found 613 fatalities, with fixed-wing aircraft, the landing phase, and passenger flights accounting for most recorded occurrences.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors suggest the findings are useful for identifying trends in aircraft occurrences and evaluating preventive recommendations. They also conclude that the results point toward the need for better organizational procedures and regulations.
What the researchers tested
The researchers analyzed aircraft incidents and accidents in Nigeria over the 2000-2020 period. They used data from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Aviation Safety Network (ASN) to identify and categorize occurrence attributes, trends, and preventive recommendations.
What worked and what didn't
Serious incidents made up 62% of recorded occurrences, while accidents made up 38%. Fixed-wing aircraft were involved in 79% of occurrences, rotary-wing aircraft in 21%, and the landing phase was the most occurrence-prone; human and organizational factors were the main causes.
What to keep in mind
The summary does not describe detailed limitations beyond the study period and the two data sources used. It also does not provide the full methods for how cases were classified or how recommendations were evaluated.
Key points
- Serious incidents accounted for 62% of recorded occurrences; accidents accounted for 38%.
- A total of 613 fatalities were recorded.
- Fixed-wing aircraft were involved in 79% of occurrences, compared with 21% for rotary-wing aircraft.
- The landing phase had the highest number of occurrences, and passenger flights were most often involved.
- Human and organizational factors were the predominant causes.
- Most recommendations focused on improving organizational procedures and regulations.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Nigeria aircraft accidents and serious incidents were mostly non-fatal
- Authors:
- Abdussalam El-Suleiman, Kofoworola Deborah Asabi, Muyideen Omuya Momoh, Mohammed Shariff Lawal, Mathias Usman Bonet, Ameer Mohammed
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-05
- DOI:
- 10.4028/p-3ywhhw
- OpenAlex record:
- View
Get the weekly research newsletter
Stay current with peer-reviewed research without reading academic papers — one filtered digest, every Friday.

