Dana Air: NCAA Identifies Causes, NSIB Begins Probe

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has started investigating the incident of runway excursion by one of Dana Airline’s aircraft at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

Also, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), described how the runway excursion of Dana Airline happened at the Lagos airport runway, yesterday.

LEADERSHIP reports that the airline had experienced runway excursion after it veered off the runway into the bush due to the wet runway.

But, in a statement personally signed by the acting director general, NCAA, Capt Chris Najomo, said the nosewheel of the aircraft retracted making the aircraft veer off the runway into the grassy area.

The statement read, “NCAA wishes to inform the public that on 23rd April, 2024 at about 08:25, a Dana Airline aircraft was involved in a runway excursion occurrence. The Aircraft, an MD82 with registration marks 5SN-BKI, departed Abuja for Lagos with 83 passengers and six crew members onboard.

“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 into the grassy area.

“Very importantly, all passengers and crew disembarked and were evacuated safely while Runway 18L was closed. In accordance with statutory procedures, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced its investigation into the occurrence.

“The NCAA reiterates its avowed commitment to a safe and secure aviation sector. In furtherance to this commitment, 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. The travelling public is hereby assured of NCAA’s unrelenting efforts in holding all operators and service providers in the sector to the highest international safety standards,” Najomo stated.

Also, the director, Public Affairs, NSIB, Wunmi Oladeji, said the director general of NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh jr, has ordered a probe of the incident.

According to Oladeji, a go-team has been dispatched to the incident scene and has begun inquiries, saying no stone will be left unturned in examining all aspects surrounding the incident.

She stated that the investigation team has retrieved the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, which will be taken to the lab for data download.

“Our investigators are currently on the site of the incident. They are investigating it. We will rely on their report to give the next update. The incident occurred around past 9 AM local time. Preliminary fact-finding revealed that Dana Airlines flight 9J0352 (registration number 5N-BKI) carrying 83 passengers and 6 crew members, departed Abuja at 8:20 AM local time and arrived in Lagos around 9:20 AM.

“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.

“As a precautionary measure, Runway 18L at MMA was temporarily closed following 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,” the NSIB spokesperson quoted the NSIB DG, Capt. Badeh Jr.

“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.

Meanwhile, Dana Air has apologised to all passengers affected by the recent schedule disruption resulting from the runway excursion involving one of its aircraft at the Lagos airport.

Dana Air in a press statement by the head, Corporate Communication, Kingsley Ezenwa, apologised for disrupting the schedule of its passengers, saying the airline’s remaining flights have been retimed.

The airline in the statement 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.”

”We commend the experience, professionalism and swift response demonstrated by our crew in handling the runway excursion incident. Their quick thinking, adherence to safety strict standards, and effective communication ensured the safe disembarkation of all passengers without injury. We are immensely proud of their commitment to passenger safety.”