Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, Tuesday dispatched two of its investigators to Port Harcourt International Airport to commence investigation into the Dana Air plane incident at the airport.
Confirming this development, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, General Manager, Public Affairs, AIB, said two of the bureau’s accident investigators have been sent to Port Harcourt Airport, the scene of the incidence, to make sure no evidence is tampered with. They are to also commence immediate investigation as to why the Dana aircraft overshot the runway.
Oketunbi further said until the investigation is done, preliminary report as to the cause of the incidence cannot be released by AIB, as is the aviation practice worldwide and in keeping with International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, recommended procedure.
Recall, on Tuesday night, a Dana Air aircraft with registration numbered 9J0363, flying from Abuja to Port Harcourt airport overshot the Port Harcourt airport runway.
According to Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, the incident “was suspected to have been caused by a heavy rain, which was accompanied by strong wind and storm in Port Harcourt.”
She, however, added that no casualty was recorded, as all 49 passengers on board were safely evacuated.
Reacting to the incident, Mr. Kingsley Ezenwa, Dana Air Communication Manager, said: “On Tuesday, February 20, 2018, one our aircraft (9j0363) operating the Abuja–PH flight skidded off the runway at the Port Harcourt International Airport, as a result of the bad weather situation and torrential rain at the time of landing. No casualty was recorded and all passengers and crew disembarked safely.”
“We commend the Pilot-in-command who was able to control the aircraft to a complete stop, before passengers and crew disembarked. We also wish to applaud the Captain for exhibiting the highest safety standards and handling the situation professionally.”
