Nigeria Airways Flight 925 was en route from London to Lagos with intermediate stops in Rome and Kano.

It was piloted by captain Valentine Moore, 56, first officer John Wallis, 30, flight engineer George Albert Baker, 50, and navigator Basil Payton, 49.

With its undercarriage down and its flaps partially extended, the VC10 struck trees 13 kilometres (8.1 mi; 7.0 nmi) short of runway 19 at Lagos.

Flight 925 was the first ever fatal crash involving the Vickers VC10 as well as the deadliest accident or incident.

To counter a rumour that a fight between a prisoner and two guards caused the crash, a ballistics expert was consulted.