The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the runway excursion involving a Dana Air’s McDonnell Douglas MD-82 aircraft which occurred yesterday at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The bureau said in a statement by its spokesperson Mrs Bimbo Oladeji that the incident occurred around 9am.
Preliminary fact-findings, according to her, revealed that the airline’s flight 9J0352, marked 5N-BKI and carrying 83 passengers and six crew members, departed Abuja at 8:20am local time and arrived in Lagos around 9:20am.
Oladeji said there was a downpour which made runway 18L surface wet.
“The aircraft had a technical problem with its landing gear and experienced directional control problems after landing, which made it veer off the runway to the left and travel onto the grassy area near the Runway 18L link 6 turn-off point,” she said.
She said there were neither fatalities nor injuries from the incident.
“We have commenced an investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the runway excursion event involving Dana Airline MD-82 aircraft with registration marking 5N-BKI.
“A go-team has been dispatched to the incident scene and has begun inquiries. We will leave no stone unturned in examining all aspects surrounding the incident.”
“The investigation team has retrieved the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, which will be taken to our lab for data download.
“The transcript from Air Traffic Control and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also be included for forensic analysis and further investigation.
“The NSIB team has also measured the aircraft’s veering point from the runway to its final stop on the grass. Crew members have been interviewed and undergone toxicology tests. As of today, all stakeholders involved in the operation of this aircraft, including the manufacturer, are being notified for their comments to be included in our report.
“The NSIB’s investigation of this incident will examine all aspects, including the airworthiness status of the aircraft, operational policies, human factors, weather condition, health and mental status of the crew, aircraft maintenance records, and any previous incidents involving this aircraft’s landing gear system,” she said.
In accordance with international aviation safety protocols, Oladeji said a preliminary report “containing a summary of basic fact-finding about the incident will be released within 30 days” while a “final report with safety recommendations will be issued at the conclusion of the investigation.”
In the course of the investigation, the bureau said it would collaborate with relevant stakeholders including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) as well as other relevant institutions and specialists to gather all necessary information, data, and evidence concerning the operation of the flight.
“This investigation aims to identify any safety deficiencies and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The objective of this investigation is to arrive at the cause of the incident and the factors that led to it, and to issue safety recommendations to deter reoccurrence,” the bureau stated.
It added: “Protecting lives and maintaining public confidence in air travel is our utmost priority.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of travellers impacted by this incident as we work to investigate and report on the circumstances that led to today’s runway excursion.”
The bureau urged the public to remain patient as the investigation progresses. Regular updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
