The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has defended its decision to clear an Air Peace co-pilot involved in a recent runway excursion in Port Harcourt, insisting that available evidence did not indict him.
The incident occurred on Sunday, June 13, when a Boeing 737-524 aircraft belonging to Air Peace veered off the runway after landing at Port Harcourt International Airport.
Though no damage was reported, the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) later disclosed that the aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold, well beyond the recommended zone, before stopping 209 meters into the clearway.
Medical tests conducted on some crew members reportedly revealed traces of alcohol and cannabis, sparking concerns over safety lapses. However, Air Peace disputed the findings, maintaining that not all members of the flight crew were culpable.
Speaking during an X Space session on Saturday, Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, explained that both the regulator’s internal investigation and the NSIB preliminary report absolved the co-pilot of blame.
“I learnt yesterday that the NCAA was being blamed for giving clearance to the first officer. But based on the NCAA internal findings and the NSIB preliminary report, the co-pilot was not found culpable.
“In fact, he advised the captain to go around, which the captain did not heed. Given that, we believe it is unjust to keep someone grounded for a year while an investigation is ongoing if there is no evidence of wrongdoing,” Achimugu said.
He stressed that it would be unjust to ground a crew member for months without evidence of wrongdoing, noting that NCAA rules are designed to reflect fairness and are constantly reviewed to meet real-life challenges.
Airlines are allowed to have internal policies and mechanisms on certain issues, and they are required to submit compliance reports to the authority. However, as is the case globally, no matter how sound regulations may appear on paper, their true strength is only revealed when tested by real-life incidents. That is why regulations remain subject to review and updates,” Achimugu said.
The NCAA spokesperson further disclosed that the matter is being closely monitored by Chris Najomo, the agency’s Director General, who has commenced further investigations.
He also clarified that the NCAA follows internationally recognised post-incident assessment procedures, including the use of NCAA-approved testing centres, and that outstanding questions lie within the remit of the NSIB.
“I have reached out to the NSIB and spoken to their team, but I’m still waiting for comprehensive feedback. I flagged certain inconsistencies that I believe require urgent clarification. My DG has just returned to the country and is expected to speak to the matter formally tonight,” Achimugu added.
Credits: Air Peace
