The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said it has commenced investigation into the runway incident that occurred on Tuesday morning involving a Dana Airline’s McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft which skidded off the runway at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
In a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji,NSIB said the incident occurred around past 9:00 AM local time and that preliminary fact-finding revealed that Dana Airlines flight 9J0352 (registration number 5N- BKI) carrying 83 passengers and six crew members, departed Abuja at 8:20 AM local time and arrived in Lagos around 9:20 AM.
NSIB noted that the incident occurred under heavy downpour and the runway 18L surface was wet.
“Thankfully there are no reported fatalities or injuries. As a precautionary measure, Runway 18L at MMA was temporarily closed following the incident. We have commenced an investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the runway excursion event involving Dana Airline MD-83 aircraft with registration marking 5N-BKI,” stated Director General of the NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr.
However, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in a statement said the aircraft upon landing at MMIA, noticed the aircraft had skidded off the runway and the nosewheel (landing gear) was resting on the grass, but acknowledged that all passengers and crew disembarked and were evacuated safely while Runway 18L was closed. In accordance with statutory procedures, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau [NSIB) has commenced its investigation into the occurrence.
“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 assessment of the occurrence,” the state from NCAA signed by the acting Director General, Captain Chris Najomo said.
Meanwhile, Dana Air had earlier stated that its aircraft had skidded off the runway.
“Dana Air regrets to inform the public of a runway incursion involving one of our aircraft, registration number 5N BKI, which was flying from Abuja to Lagos. today 23/04/24.
“We are relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely without injuries or scare as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism.
We have also updated the Nigerian Safety and Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on the incident and the aircraft involved has been grounded by our maintenance team for further investigation.
“We wish to thank the airport authorities, our crew for their very swift response in ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers following the incident and our sincere apologies and appreciation to the passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.
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.”
Dana Air also said it has extended its sincerest apologies to all passengers affected by the recent schedule disruption resulting from the runway excursion involving one of its aircraft at Lagos airport.
The airline in a statement said, ”We understand the frustration and inconvenience experienced by passengers whose travel plans were disrupted due to the incident and we are deeply sorry. Our remaining flights for the day have all been retimed and all the passengers on these flights have been updated via email, sms and calls. We wish to also reassure affected passengers that we are working diligently to minimize disruption and accommodate their travel needs.
”We commend the experience, professionalism and swift response demonstrated by our crew in handling the runway excursion incident. Their quick thinking, adherence to safety strict standards, and effective communication ensured the safe disembarkation of all passengers without injury. We are immensely proud of their commitment to passenger safety.
”We wish to also appreciate our customers for their support, loyalty and understanding at this time. This is priceless and we are grateful. At Dana Air, safety and service excellence are core values that guide everything we do. While we deeply regret the incident and its impact on our passengers, we remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the highest safety standards and providing exceptional service to our customers,” the airline said.
