Victor EzejaThe Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), says it has begun a full-scale investigation into the Dana Air runway mishap at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Lagos on Tuesday.
The domestic carrier which arrived Lagos on Tuesday morning from Abuja, reportedly veered off the runway and ended up in a nearby bush in the airport.
Giving a preliminary account of what transpired the NCAA in a statement released by its acting director general Captain Chris Najomo, said the aircraft with registration marks 5SN-BKI departed Abuja for Lagos with 83 passengers and 6 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,” Captain Najomo stated.
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According to him, the 88 passengers onboard were safely evacuated while the Runway 18L was closed.
The NCAA DG disclosed that in line with statutory procedures, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau [NSIB) has commenced its investigation. He added that NCAA will await the outcome of the NSIB’s investigation to implement safety recommendations, while it also carries out its own “in-house safety assessments.”
“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 assessments.”
“The traveling 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,” he added.
Earlier in a statement, Dana Air management expressed regrets over the incident and offered apologies and appreciation to the affected passengers for their patience and understanding.
It thanked airport authorities, and its crew members for their swift response in ensuring the safe evacuation of the passengers.
The airline said the aircraft involved in the incident has been grounded for by its maintenance team further investigation.
“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.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
