The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it has commenced investigation into the runway incident that occurred on Tuesday morning, involving a Dana Airline McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft, which skidded off the runway at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
In a statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, NSIB said the incident occurred around past 9:00am local time and that preliminary fact-finding revealed that the Dana Airlines flight 9J0352 (registration number 5N- BKI) carrying 83 passengers and six crew members, departed Abuja at 8:20am local time and arrived in Lagos around 9:20am.
NSIB noted that the incident occurred under heavy downpour and the runway 18L surface was wet.
“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 incursion event involving Dana Airline MD-83 aircraft with registration marking 5N-BKI,” stated Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr.
However, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in a statement, said upon landing at MMIA, noticed the aircraft had skidded off the runway and the nosewheel (landing gear) was resting on the grass.
But it acknowledged that all passengers and crew disembarked and were evacuated safely while Runway 18L was closed.
“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 statement from NCAA signed by the acting Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, stated.
Meanwhile, Dana Air had earlier stated that its aircraft had skidded off the runway.
“Dana Air regrets to inform the public of a runway incursion involving one of our aircraft, registration number 5N BKI, which was flying from Abuja to Lagos. today 23/04/24.
“We are relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely without injuries or scare as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism.
“We have also updated the Nigerian Safety and Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on the incident and the aircraft involved has been grounded by our maintenance team for further investigation.
“We wish to thank the airport authorities, our crew for their very swift response in ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers following the incident and our sincere apologies and appreciation to the passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.
“We wish to reassure our passengers that their safety will always be our top priority, and we are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
Dana Air also said it has extended its sincerest apologies to all passengers affected by the recent schedule disruption resulting from the runway excursion involving one of its aircraft at Lagos airport.
Chinedu Eze and Kasim Sumaina
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