The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into a runway incident involving a Dana Airline McDonnell Douglas MD-82 aircraft at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The incident occurred around 9 AM local time. Preliminary investigations revealed that the aircraft with registration number 5N-BKI, operated by Dana Airlines, was carrying 83 passengers and 6 crew members. Departing from Abuja at approximately 8:20 AM local time, the aircraft arrived in Lagos at around 9:20 AM local time, amidst rainy conditions, with the runway 18L surface being wet.
The aircraft encountered a technical issue with its landing gear and experienced directional control problems upon landing, causing it to veer to the left of the runway and travel onto the grassy area of Runway 18L link 6 turn-off point.
Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities or injuries. As a precautionary measure, Runway 18L at MMA was temporarily closed following the incident.
“We have initiated an investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the runway excursion involving the Dana Airline MD-82 aircraft with registration number 5N-BKI,” stated director-general of the NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr. “A go-team has been dispatched to the scene of the incident and has commenced inquiries. We are committed to thoroughly examining all aspects surrounding the incident.”
The investigation team has retrieved the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, which will be analysed in our lab. Transcripts from Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will undergo forensic analysis. The NSIB team has also measured the aircraft’s veering point from the runway to its final stop on the grass. Crew members have undergone interviews and toxicology tests. Additionally, stakeholders involved in the operation of this aircraft, including the manufacturer, are being notified for their input in our report.
The NSIB’s investigation will cover various aspects, including the aircraft’s airworthiness status, operational policies, human factors, weather conditions, crew health and mental status, aircraft maintenance records, and any previous incidents involving the landing gear system.
In line with international aviation safety protocols, a preliminary report summarising basic fact-finding will be released within 30 days, followed by a final report with safety recommendations after the investigation.
Throughout the investigation, NSIB will collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and other relevant institutions and specialists.
“Our priority is to protect lives and maintain public confidence in air travel,” added the director-general. “We appreciate the patience of travellers impacted by this incident as we work to investigate and report on the circumstances that led to today’s runway excursion.”
A statement by the bureau’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji urged the public to remain patient as the investigation progresses, with regular updates provided as new information becomes available.
