The Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB-N) has maintained that Air Peace aircraft marked 5N-BUQ “experienced a burst tyre during taxing” the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos on Monday, March 8, 2021.
The AIB-N, in a statement issued by its spokesman, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi said: “We refer to the occurrence involving a Boeing 737-300 aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-BUQ, operated by Air Peace Ltd, which occurred at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos on Monday, March 8, 2021
“Initial findings made by the Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB-N) following a download of the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) revealed that the aircraft experienced a burst tyre during taxing.
“As the occurrence falls under the category of incident, AIB-N has therefore ceded the investigation to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Further enquiries on this occurrence should be addressed to the NCAA forthwith.”
However, the management of the airline said the aircraft at issue had a “tyre puncture.”
“The attention of Air Peace has been drawn to reports insinuating that our aircraft, a B737 with registration number 5N-BUQ, had a tyre burst on landing in Lagos on Monday night, March 8, 2021.
“The aircraft safely landed at the International Wing of the airport and while taxing to the Domestic Wing, had a tyre puncture which cause is yet to be ascertained.
“The incident, which occurred at about 12 minutes of taxing and very close to the Domestic Wing, was duly reported to the authorities. Passengers disembarked seamlessly and the incident is currently being investigated as statutorily required.
“We, therefore, take exception to reports implying that the aircraft had a tyre burst on landing, as this is conveying a wrong impression about the airline to the flying public. If the tyre had burst on landing, the aircraft would not have moved 2 km from the International Wing to the Domestic Wing.
“Air Peace is committed to providing best-in-class fight services and will relentlessly observe the highest standards of safety in its operations,” it stated.
