AIR PEACE RUNWAY INCIDENT: NCAA EXPLAINS WHY CO-PILOT WAS CLEARED
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By: Sefiu Ajape
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has provided clarification on why it cleared the co-pilot of Air Peace, despite reports linking him and other crew members to alcohol and hard drugs.
The clarification follows a runway excursion involving an Air Peace aircraft on Sunday, June 13, after landing at Port Harcourt International Airport. The aircraft veered off the runway but recorded no damage.
According to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the aircraft landed 2,264 metres from the runway threshold, beyond the recommended touchdown zone, and came to a halt 209 metres into the clearway.
The NSIB subsequently indicted some crew members after toxicological tests. However, Air Peace has since challenged the findings.
Speaking during an X Space session on Saturday, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stressed that the authority acted strictly in line with due process, guided by available facts and its internal investigation.
He explained that both the NCAA’s internal review and the NSIB preliminary report “did not indict the co-pilot, the reason for his clearance and return to work.”
Achimugu added that the durability of NCAA rules is tested by real-life incidents, which is why they are regularly reviewed.
He said, “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.”
On airlines’ internal checks, Achimugu explained, “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.”
He noted that the matter is also being addressed by the NCAA Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, who has opened his own probe.
Achimugu further clarified that NCAA relies on internationally approved procedures for post-incident testing and only recognises NCAA-approved centres. However, he admitted some unanswered questions remain with the NSIB.
He said, “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.”
During the X Space, a participant, Bamidele Badmos, raised concerns about the airline’s handling of public perception.
“My concern right now is the image of the airline. Air Peace operates international routes, and if Nigerians continue to treat issues like this with levity, our Bilateral Air Services Agreements could be jeopardised,” he said.
Badmos insisted that the aviation sector must uphold uniform regulatory standards.
“This industry operates on very high standards. It cannot be run like a typical business. Once an infraction occurs, caution must be exercised immediately. The rules are clear; they are not optional. If someone is found wanting, it’s not a time to start defending or raising unnecessary alarms.”
He also cautioned airline staff against informal media engagements.
“It’s highly informal for staff members to come on air to defend the airline or challenge regulatory authorities. Issues like this should be left to official channels and professionals,” Badmos added.
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