Investigation Begins On Dana Airline Runway Incident

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, together with the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB has revealed through AIB’s  spokesman, Mr Tunji Oketumbi that an investigation into how Dana Air plane overshot the runway at Port Harcourt International Airport.

The incident involving a Dana Air Boeing MD-83 jet happened at about 7:30 pm on Tuesday. None of the 44 passengers and six crew members on board was injured.

Spokesman of the agency, Sam Adurogboye, who disclosed this, yesterday, said the plane was badly damaged.

“We have launched an investigation.” Adurogboye said.

It is the second incident involving Dana Air plane this month as one of its aircraft, February 7, had its emergency exit door fall off as it landed in Abuja from Lagos.

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, said Tuesday’s overshoot “was suspected to have been caused by heavy rain, which was accompanied by strong wind and a storm.”

Meanwhile, Consumer Protection Council, CPC, has directed Dana Airline to provide necessary logistics support to affected passengers on Flight 9J0363.

Babatunde Irukera, the Director General, said this was in compliance with minimum standards in accordance with prevailing Regulations under Part 19, Nigerian Civil Aviation Rules (NCAR).

He said: “Cause of incident still unknown but under investigation. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, and Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, have been notified and already in control.”