Air Peace flight from Lagos to Abuja was aborted yesterday by the Pilot-in-Command when he noticed a burst tyre while about to take off.
According to statement from the spokesman of Air Peace, Chris Iwarah, the flight aborted take-off at about 11:00 am and passengers were transferred to another aircraft.
“At about 11am today, our Lagos-Abuja flight aborted takeoff at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos when the pilot-in-command suspected that there was an issue with one of the tyres of the aircraft.
“Passengers on board were transferred to another aircraft to ensure they did not miss their appointments. The passengers were all calm, as it was not a life-threatening incident. There was no question of air return as our very experienced flight crew noticed the development much before takeoff,” Iwarah said.
The airline said because of the “premium we place on safety, our pilots are under a duty to call for checks when they suspect any fault however basic it may be. That was what happened in this case.
“Although it was initially suspected to be a case of burst tyre, our engineering department later inspected the aircraft and confirmed that one of the tyres got deflated. The issue has since been addressed.”
The airline dismissed earlier report that the aircraft lost three tyres on take off and explained that it was one tyre that deflated, adding that unless there is serious damage by external object, it would be difficult for the aircraft to lose three tyres at the same time.
