The Air Peace Co-pilot who was reportedly indicted alongside his colleagues who were found to be involved with hard drugs and alcohol has been cleared by
Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority after it has clarified the circumstances surrounding the report.
It could be recalled that an Air Peace aircraft had a runway excursion on a Sunday, June 13, after landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport. The aircraft veered off the runway although without any damage.
The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) revealed that the aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold, well beyond the recommended touchdown zone, and eventually came to a stop at 209 metres into the clearway.
The NISB however had indicted the crew members on board following a medical test of their bloodstream. Air Peace had swiftly disagreed and faulted the indicted report.
Commenting on the issue via X platform on Saturday, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu Speaking emphasised that the regulatory body followed due process based on the available facts and internal investigations.
Achimugu however explained that both the NCAA internal investigation and the NSIB reports did not indict the co-pilot, the reason for his clearance and return to work.
He further noted that the durability of the NCAA rules is occasionally tested by real-life incidents, saying this was why the rules are subjected to reviews consistently. His words; ” I learnt yesterday that the NCAA was being blamed for giving clearance to the first officer. But based on the NCAA internal findings and the NSIB preliminary report, the co-pilot was not found culpable.
“In fact, he advised the captain to go around, which the captain did not heed. Given that, we believe it is unjust to keep someone grounded for a year while an investigation is ongoing if there is no evidence of wrongdoing.” he said.
Highlighting on airlines’ internal measures, the NCAA publicist said, “Airlines are allowed to have internal policies and mechanisms on certain issues, and they are required to submit compliance reports to the authority. However, as is the case globally, no matter how sound regulations may appear on paper, their true strength is only revealed when tested by real-life incidents. That is why regulations remain subject to review and updates.” he maintained.
