NSIC begins probe as aircraft skids off Lagos runway
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has begun a safety investigation after a United Nigeria Airlines aircraft skidded off the runway 18L of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos on Wednesday.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority also said it would adopt recommendations made from the investigation by the NSIB.
The United Airlines aircraft, with registration number 5N-BWW, which was carrying 50 passengers, was flying into the airport from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, when the incident happened.
A statement by United Nigeria Airlines read, “The aircraft landed safely but was forced to terminate its movement to the apron off the runway. All passengers disembarked safely and were transported to the arrival hall alongside their luggage.
“Officials of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria are at the scene of the incident and alongside UNA engineers are working to move the aircraft to the hanger. Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Accident Investigation Bureau have also been duly noticed and are on the scene. United Nigeria is collaborating fully with the authorities.”
Speaking on the development, the General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, said its inspectors would have to recertify the aircraft before resuming flight again.
He said, “Inspectors will have to re-certify the incident aircraft. This will be after the rectification of the problem. Remember that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau will carry out their investigation to ascertain the contributory factor(s) or cause(s).
“They will come up with a report which may contain safety recommendations for NCAA to implement or enforce, as the case may be thereafter. Speculation is not allowed at this stage. The good news is that the flight crew were able to manage the situation safely and passengers evacuated safely too.”
The General Manager, Public Affairs, NSIB, Tunji Oketumbi, could not be reached as of press time.
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