By Chinedu Eze
One of Nigeria’s well-known schedule flight operator, Overland Airways, has dismissed the allegation that water dripped in one of its aircraft on arrival from a flight, which occurred about a month ago.
The airline said that after the allegation the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) carried out investigation and discovered the allegation was false and issued a statement to that effect.
NCAA said the Overland Airways’ ATR 42 aircraft was not faulty, adding that that the water dripping from aircraft during a recent flight was normal.
Spokesman of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye said the water came out from the aircraft’s compressor as a result of the plane flying low in the early hours of the rainy day.
“It is not anything abnormal because it happens when the aircraft is being flown at a low level. It is as a result of the defrosting of the cooling system just like when you switch off your refrigerator. So the aircraft was not leaking water, if there was a leakage, it would come down and crash absolutely.”
Adurogboye also noted that experienced travellers would testify that occasional water dripping from the cooling system is not an uncommon occurrence in airliners flying all over the world, and would also affirm that it is not in any way a safety issue.
In a statement signed by the management, Overland Airways confirmed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had diligently inspected the aircraft, certified its airworthiness and educated the general public via various mass media on the cosmetic nature of the occurrence.
“We are therefore shocked at the malicious defamation, de-marketing and cheap publicity that has followed the incident. Overland Airways has earned its quality and status in Nigeria, and cannot be put down by sponsored baseless, ignorant and malicious videos and comments in the media. Our consistency and safety record speak for the airline over these 12 years of our operation to
Develop Nigeria’s economies,” the airline said.
Overland Airways said it operates to the strict international safety standards and regulations of the NCAA.
“Overland Airways is one of Nigeria’s most viable airlines today and it is managed by aviation professionals and business experts. Overland Airways maintains one of the largest aircraft fleet in Nigeria today and operates aircraft types that are globally recognised for their outstanding safety and economic performance. Overland Airways is one of the few scheduled commercial passenger airlines in Nigeria that has successfully operated for over 10 years despite the difficult operating environment in Nigeria,” the statement said.
