Dana Air Flight 992 facts for kids

Dana Air Flight 992 was a passenger flight from Abuja to Lagos, Nigeria. On July 3, 2012, the McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft had a serious problem: both of its engines stopped working. The plane then crashed into a busy neighborhood in Lagos. Sadly, all 153 people on board the flight died, and ten more people on the ground also lost their lives. This event was a very tragic day for Nigeria.

What Happened to Dana Air Flight 992?

The Flight and Its Route

Dana Air Flight 992 was a regular trip scheduled to fly from Nigeria's capital city, Abuja, to its largest city, Lagos. The flight was meant to be a short journey, connecting two important parts of the country. People often travel between these cities for business or to visit family.

The Aircraft Involved

The airplane used for this flight was a McDonnell Douglas MD-83. This type of plane is a twin-engine jet, meaning it has two engines to power it. It's a common aircraft used for medium-range flights around the world. The specific plane for Flight 992 had been used by other airlines before Dana Air.

The Crash Day: July 3, 2012

On that fateful day, the plane took off from Abuja. As it was getting close to Lagos, something went wrong with both of its engines. This is very unusual for an airplane. Without engine power, the pilots faced a huge challenge trying to control the plane. The aircraft lost altitude quickly and crashed into a crowded area in Lagos.

Why Did the Engines Fail?

Understanding Engine Problems

After the crash, investigators worked hard to find out why both engines stopped working. They looked at every piece of the plane and listened to the flight recorders. These recorders, often called "black boxes," record everything the pilots say and how the plane is flying.

The Investigation's Findings

The investigation found that the engines failed because of a problem with their fuel system. A part called a "loose fitting" was not installed correctly. This allowed hot air to get into the fuel lines, which caused the fuel to stop flowing properly to the engines. This problem happened to both engines, one after the other.

Pilot Actions and Challenges

The pilots tried their best to restart the engines and land the plane safely. They followed emergency procedures. However, because both engines failed and they were flying at a low altitude, they didn't have enough time or height to fix the problem before the plane crashed. The investigation also looked at how the pilots handled the emergency and found that they were very busy trying to deal with the sudden engine failures.

Impact of the Crash

Loss of Life and Community Impact

The crash of Dana Air Flight 992 was a terrible tragedy. All 153 people on board the plane died. This included passengers and the flight crew. On the ground, ten more people were killed because the plane crashed into a busy neighborhood. Many buildings were destroyed, and families lost their homes.

Changes in Aviation Safety

After the crash, Nigeria's aviation authorities and airlines made efforts to improve flight safety. They reviewed maintenance procedures and pilot training to prevent similar accidents from happening again. This crash highlighted the importance of strict checks and proper installation of all aircraft parts.

Images for kids

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  The aircraft involved, under the registration of N944AS, while operating for Alaska Airlines

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  Crash site of Dana Air Flight 0992 in Iju-Ishaga neighbourhood

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  Recovered flight recorders of 5N-RAM

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  Loose fitting caused by improper installation. The jutted out area eventually caught bypassing hot air.

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  The inlet tube without its protective fitting. Complete separation of the tube from its connection point could be seen.

See also

In Spanish: Vuelo 992 de Dana Air para niños