The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the runway excursion incident that occurred this morning involving Dana Airline’s McDonnell Douglas MD-82 aircraft at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The incident occurred around past 9 a.m. local time and preliminary fact-finding according NSIB revealed that Dana Airlines flight 9J0352 (registration number 5N-BKI) carrying 83 passengers and six crew members, departed Abuja at 8:20 a.m. local time and arrived in Lagos around 9:20 a.m.
It noted that it had been raining, and the runway 18L surface was 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.
Thankfully, there are no reported fatalities or injuries, the NSIB said, adding that as a precautionary measure, Runway 18L at MMIA was temporarily closed following the incident.
Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr., said: “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 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.
“In accordance with international aviation safety protocols, a preliminary report containing a summary of basic fact-finding about the incident will be released within 30 days. A final report with safety recommendations will be issued at the conclusion of the investigation.
“During the course of the investigation, NSIB will collaborate with relevant stakeholders including FAAN, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), 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 Director General, said.
“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,” he added.
The NSIB urged the public to remain patient as the investigation progresses. Regular updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Also the NCAA in a statement acknowledged the incident, stating that the aircraft upon landing at MMIA, the Air Transport Controller (ATC) Tower observed at C4 that the Nosewheel had retracted and the nose of the aircraft collapsed and the aircraft veered off the runway info the grassy area.
The Acting Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, said the Authority will be looking to implement the safety recommendations expected from the NSIB investigation while it carries out its own in-house safety assessment of the occurrence.
He reiterated the NCAA’s avowed commitment to a safe and secure aviation sector.
Meanwhile, Dana Air has extended its sincerest apologies to all passengers affected by the recent schedule disruption resulting from the runway excursion.
The airline in a statement signed by the Head Corporate Communications, Mr. Kingsley Ezenwa, said: ”We understand the frustration and inconvenience experienced by passengers whose travel plans were disrupted due to the incident and we are deeply sorry.
“Our remaining flights for the day have all been retimed and all the passengers on these flights have been updated via email, sms and calls. We wish to also reassure affected passengers that we are working diligently to minimise disruption and accommodate their travel needs.