*6.2. Conclusion of the Study*

The study shows the nature of aircraft maintenance errors that contribute to or cause accidents and incidents in scheduled commercial, non-scheduled commercial and general aviation category. The utilisation of the MxFACS and Hieminga's maintenance incidence taxonomy yielded similar results with existing global research. It also highlighted how one maintenance error could be caused by another maintenance error within the same taxonomy. It also shows that utilising taxonomy can aid in predicting some future accidents. It may, however, not predict some occurrences as these taxonomies were created using hindsight.

The results of the study revealed that the most common maintenance-related "Event Outcomes" in the last decade are "collision with terrain" and "landing gear events". The systems of components that were affected the most during accidents are the aircraft engine and structure. The maintenance factors with the highest contribution to these accidents are operator and regulatory oversight, inadequate inspection and failure to follow procedures.

The research also highlights the highest causal and contributory factors to aviation incidents in Nigeria from 2006 to 2019 are installation/removal issues, inspection/testing issues, working practices, job close up, lubrication and servicing. All of which corresponds to studies by other researchers in other countries.

The trend over the years revealed that an increase in air traffic in Nigeria led to an increase in the number of maintenance-related incidents, however, it is worthy to note that data on air traffic from 2018 to 2019 was not available for comparison.

The study's findings could contribute to the limited literature related to maintenance errors and incidents in Nigeria. It would also aid all relevant stakeholders in understanding the nature of errors that pose a threat to the safety performance in Nigeria.
