Investigation Summary
The accident occurred as Flight 086 was descending toward Lagos. Air traffic control (ATC) cleared the flight to descend to 16,000 feet, but simultaneously cleared another aircraft (a Triax Airlines flight) to climb, creating a conflict. The TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) alerted the crew of Flight 086 to the proximity of the other aircraft. In response, the pilot in flying, who was a trainee captain under supervision, initiated a sharp turn to avoid the traffic. The maneuver was overly aggressive, causing the aircraft to enter a steep bank angle. The crew lost situational awareness, and the Boeing 727 entered a high-speed dive. The aircraft became inverted and struck the shallow waters of the Lagos Lagoon at near-supersonic speeds, resulting in total fragmentation and no survivors.
Final Conclusions
The primary cause was the air traffic controller's error in providing conflicting clearances that led to a risk of mid-air collision. Contributing factors included the pilot's decision to continue a turn to an improper heading and the execution of an erroneous, excessive maneuver that resulted in a loss of control. The investigation also highlighted the lack of effective coordination between the trainee pilot and the supervising captain during the emergency.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Systems & Failure Modes
TCAS
Traffic Collision Avoidance System; provided the crew with alerts regarding the conflicting Triax Airlines flight.
Air Traffic Control Radar
The controller's failure to maintain proper separation led to the initial conflict.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a 27-year-old Boeing 727 formerly operated by Trans World Airlines (TWA).
- 02All 144 people on board were killed, including prominent political scientist Claude Ake.
- 03The aircraft struck the water in an inverted position at a speed near Mach 1.
- 04The pilot flying was a captain in the final stages of his training.
- 05The wreckage was found in the shallow waters of the Lagos Lagoon near Epe.
Safety Actions & Advisories
ATC Infrastructure Reform
The accident led to calls for improved air traffic control infrastructure and training in Nigeria to prevent separation failures.
CRM Training Enhancement
Emphasis was placed on Crew Resource Management (CRM) training, specifically regarding how supervising captains should intervene during trainee maneuvers.