The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has indicted an Air Peace pilot and co-pilot for consuming alcohol and other substances before a serious incident at Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13.
According to a preliminary report signed by Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, toxicological tests on the crew confirmed positive results for alcohol consumption.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737-524 with registration 5N-BQQ, was operating a domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt with 103 passengers on board. It landed long on Runway 21 following an unstabilised final approach, eventually coming to a stop 209 metres into the clearway. All passengers and crew disembarked safely, with no injuries recorded.
The report further revealed that a cabin crew member tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis. These findings are being reviewed under the human performance and safety management aspects of the investigation.
The bureau said it had issued immediate safety recommendations for Air Peace to strengthen crew resource management training, particularly in handling unstabilised approaches and go-around decisions. It also called for tighter internal monitoring of crew fitness-for-duty before flight dispatch.
NSIB noted that the report represents early findings and remains subject to further analysis, with the final report expected to provide detailed conclusions and additional safety recommendations.
The bureau, which is mandated to promote transport safety and conduct comprehensive investigations into accidents and incidents in Nigeria, said its aim is to identify probable causes and advocate for stronger safety measures.
(NAN)