The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched a comprehensive safety evaluation following a runway excursion incident involving a Dana Air aircraft at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos today.
The incident occurred when a Dana Air MD82 aircraft, registered as 5N BKI, carrying 82 passengers and six crew members, was en route from Abuja to Lagos.
Upon landing at MMIA, the Air Transport Controller (ATC) Tower observed that the nosewheel had retracted, causing the nose of the aircraft to collapse.
Consequently, the aircraft veered off the runway and into a grassy area. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members disembarked safely, and Runway 18L was promptly closed.
Capt. Chris Najomo, acting DG of the NCAA, said in a statement:
”In accordance with statutory procedures, the 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 travelling public is hereby assured of NCAA’s unrelenting efforts in holding all operators and service providers in the sector to the highest international safety standards.”
