Air Peace: NCAA clarifies regulatory clearance for airline’s co-pilot despite NSIB report

*Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, explains how the regulatory body followed due process, based on the available facts and internal investigations concerning Air Peace Airline’s incident in Port-Harcourt

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to the release of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) report on the airline’s incident at the Port-Harcourt International Airport, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has clarified the circumstances surrounding its decision to clear the co-pilot of Air Peace.

ConsumerConnect reports the NSIB report on the pilots reportedly indicted the co-pilot alongside his other colleagues for involvement with hard drugs and alcohol during the flight.

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Reacting to the accusation of conflicting regulatory affairs of NCAA and NSIB regarding the same incident, Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, in a statement via a verified X account  at the weekend, emphasised that the aviation regulatory body followed due process based on the available facts and internal investigations.

Achimugu said both the NCAA internal investigation and the NSIB report did not indict the airline’s co-pilot.

He also noted this underlined the regulatory Authority’s reason for the co-pilot’s clearance and return to work.

It is recalled that an Air Peace aircraft had a runway excursion Sunday, June 13, after landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport, in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria.

The affected aircraft the airline had veered off the runway without any damage.

The NSIB report of an investigation into the incident revealed that the aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold, well beyond the recommended touchdown zone, and eventually came to a stop at 209 metres into the clearway.

The report apparently indicted the crew members, including the pilot and co-pilot concerned after a medical test of their bloodstream.

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Reacting to the indicting report of the incident, the Management of Air Peace, however, picked holes in indictment and denied the allegations of hard drugs and alcohol on the crew members during the flight.

Further on NCAA’s rationale for clearing the co-pilot to resume flying,

Achimugu stressed that the aviation regulatory body followed due process in view of available facts and internal investigations.

NSIB report didn’t indict Air Peace’s co-pilot, says Achimugu

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection further averred that both the NCAA internal investigation and the NSIB report did not indict the co-pilot, underlining the reason for his clearance and return to work.

The durability of the NCAA rules is occasionally tested by real-life incidents, stated Achimugu.

He equally said that was why the extant rules are subjected to reviews consistently.

He further stated: “I learnt yesterday (Friday), that the NCAA was being blamed for giving clearance to the first officer.

“But based on the NCAA internal findings and the NSIB preliminary report, the co-pilot was not found culpable.”

The NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection stated: “In fact, he advised the captain to go around, which the captain did not heed.

“Given that, we believe it is unjust to keep someone grounded for a year while an investigation is ongoing, if there is no evidence of wrongdoing.”

In regard to Air Peace’s internal measures related to such incidents, he explained that “airlines are allowed to have internal policies and mechanisms on certain issues, and they are required to submit compliance reports to the authority.

“However, as is the case globally, no matter how sound regulations may appear on paper, their true strength is only revealed when tested by real-life incidents.

“That is why regulations remain subject to review and updates.”

Director: NCAA Chief will address matter

Achimugu, therefore, assured Nigerians and industry stakeholders that Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General of NCAA, would address the matter, as he is already conducting investigations into the incident.

According to him, the NCAA followed internationally recognised procedures for post-incident assessments, including the use of NCAA-approved testing centres.

He, however, acknowledged that some questions remained unanswered, particularly on the side of the NSIB, which is the statutory body responsible for conducting accident and incident investigations in the country.

“I have reached out to the NSIB and spoken to their team, but I’m still waiting for comprehensive feedback.

“I flagged certain inconsistencies that I believe require urgent clarification.

“My DG has just returned to the country, and is expected to speak to the matter formally tonight,” Achimugu stated.

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