The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has recommended the strengthening of crew resource management (CRM) in Air Peace Limited following the results of the toxicological tests on the flight and cabin crews which showed evidence of alcohol and cannabis consumption.
The recommendation is contained in the bureau’s preliminary report on its ongoing investigation into the serious incident involving a Boeing 737-524 aircraft, marked 5N-BQQ and operated by Air Peace Limited which occurred on July 13, 2025 at the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Omagwa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to the NSIB, the scheduled flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt with 103 persons on board, landed long on Runway 21 after an unstabilised final approach.
“Initial toxicological tests conducted on the flight crew revealed positive results for certain substances, including indicators of alcohol consumption. A cabin crew member also tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in cannabis. These results are being reviewed under the human performance and safety management components of the investigation,” the bureau said.
While the final report on the incident is being awaited, the NSIB issued immediate safety recommendations for the airline to strengthen CRM training, particularly in handling unstabilised approaches and go-around decisions, and to reinforce internal procedures for crew fitness-for-duty monitoring before flight dispatch.
“The report represents early findings and is subject to further analysis. The final report will present detailed conclusions and additional recommendations to enhance aviation safety in Nigeria,” the bureau added.
Note: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the main active components found in marijuana. It is the primary psychoactive chemical in cannabis responsible for red eyes, dry mouth, drowsiness, short-term memory impairment, difficulty concentrating, decreased motivation, and time dilation, among others.
