Nigeria: NSIB releases accident, incident reports with safety recommendations
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released four accident and incident reports with 20 safety recommendations.
The reports, presented by the Director of Transport Investigation, Engr. Abdullahi Babanya, during the bureau’s maiden press conference held today – May 24, 2024 – at the NSIB Training School in Abuja, indicated the bureau’s commitment to enhancing transport safety in the country through meticulous investigations under the new leadership of Captain Alex Badeh Jnr, Director-General, NSIB.
The reports released include four significant incidents, each accompanied by detailed safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.
Among the reports was a final report on a serious incident involving Air Peace’s EMB-145LR at Kaduna Airport, which occurred January 14, 2021.
In its findings, the bureau revealed that the Embraer EMB-145LR operated by Air Peace experienced hydraulic system issues leading to a high-speed rejected takeoff, causing substantial damage to the aircraft.
According to the bureau, the causal factor was that the aircraft was operated with an unserviceable hydraulic system, and the contributory factors were hydraulic leakage, failure to follow diagnostic protocols, and confirmation bias.
In its safety recommendations to the airline regarding the incident, the bureau recommended improved adherence to maintenance protocols, including the requirements of Operations Manual Part A Chapter 8.1.11.2.5 with regards to handling defects/damage to aircraft making
appropriate entries of technical faults encountered in flights in the aircraft Technical Logbook and inspected by authorised personnel.
It also recommended that the airline should ensure better internal oversight, and enhanced coordination between flight crews and maintenance personnel.
The bureau also tasked the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) with ensuring that Kaduna airport has an approved Airport Emergency Plan and carries out testing of the Emergency Plan as required by Part 12.6.15 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.
Among other recommendations, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) were admonished to continue living up to their oversight functions as enshrined in Nig. CARs.
Another serious incident captured in the reports is the runway excursion incident involving Dana Airlines MD-82, which occurred at Lagos Airport on April 23, 2024.
In its findings, the bureau revealed that the MD-82 aircraft operated by Dana Airlines experienced a serious incident on Runway 18L at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, with preliminary data indicating potential runway handling issues.
According to the agency, safety recommendations regarding the incident are pending final analysis.
Other reports include the ground collision incident involving a lavatory service truck owned by Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), which collided with a parked Boeing 737-300 operated by Max Air at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on November 21, 2021, and a boat accident, which occurred near Onono Jetty in Anambra West LGA, on April 10, 2024, resulting in multiple casualties.
The bureau issued a total of 20 safety recommendations derived from the reports.
To forestall future occurrencies, Engr. Babanya stressed the importance of implementing the 20 safety recommendations, as they target various stakeholders in the transportation sector, including airlines, airport authorities, and regulatory bodies.
According to him, the aim is to foster a safer transportation environment through collaborative efforts and stringent adherence to safety protocols.
In his welcome address at the event, Captain Alex Badeh Jnr, Director-General of the NSIB, said the event celebrated the transformation from the former Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) to the NSIB in 2022, emphasising a renewed commitment to transportation safety.
“Today marks a significant milestone as we gather to publicly unveil the first series of accident investigation reports released by the NSIB,” Captain Badeh announced.
According to him, this transformation is more than a name change; it represents a dedication to enhancing safety across all transportation modes in Nigeria and wherever Nigerian interests are involved.
The DG highlighted the NSIB’s mission to fostering transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement within the transportation sector.
He said the bureau’s meticulous work, showcased in the newly published reports, reflects a comprehensive effort to identifying root causes of incidents and preventing future occurrences.
To have a full grasp of the reports, the DG said they are accessible online at [NSIB’s Accident Reports](https://nsib.gov.ng/accident-report/).
Captain Badeh commended the NSIB team for their unwavering dedication, thorough research, and meticulous analysis that culminated in these publications.
He emphasised the bureau’s role in promoting a culture of safety through shared knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices.
“By fostering collaboration and open communication, we can collectively strive towards a safer and more secure environment,” he said, inviting all stakeholders to engage with the reports, ask questions, and participate in meaningful discussions.
