FG concludes probe into 5 aviation accidents – Report

The Federal Authorities, by the Nigerian Security Investigation Bureau, has concluded investigations into 5 air accidents and incidents that occurred in 2024.

In line with the reviews launched by NSIB at completely different occasions in 2024 and accessed by The PidomNigeria on Sunday, the accidents concerned numerous airways and plane varieties, together with the Nigerian School of Aviation Expertise, Caverton Helicopters Restricted, Aero Contractors Firm, SAHCO PLC, and Air Peace Restricted.

Moreover, a report from BudgIT’s accountability platform – GovSpend, confirmed that the NSIB spent the sum of N500m on investigations of varied transportation accidents in 2024.

“N500,000,000.00 being fee for the switch of funds from the Nigerian Security Investigation Bureau capital improvement funds to the NSIB account with the CBN which might be used to cater for investigation of a significant transportation prevalence in step with the NSIB institution act, 2022,” the report acknowledged.

The NSIB reviews highlighted a number of causal and contributory components, together with human error, insufficient coaching, and non-compliance with commonplace working procedures.

The findings additionally made quite a few security suggestions to forestall comparable incidents sooner or later.

One of many notable accidents concerned a Tampico TB–9 plane operated by NCAT. A pupil pilot on their first solo flight, skidded off the runway throughout a touchdown try. The report famous:

“The choice of the Scholar Pilot to vacate the lively runway at extreme pace was the causal issue,” including that insufficient supervision and overgrown shrubs alongside the taxiway contributed to the incident.

One other incident concerned a Caverton Helicopters Restricted helicopter which crashed on February 2, 2019, on account of a brownout situation throughout touchdown.

The investigation of the Caverton AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter crash in Kogi State highlighted that the crew encountered a brownout situation throughout touchdown, resulting in spatial disorientation. In line with the report:

“The flight crew encountered a brownout situation, resulting in lack of exterior visible references and situational consciousness,” NSIB acknowledged.

NSIB added that on April 29, 2014, a NAHCO Aviance baggage loader car collided with a parked Aero Contractors Firm plane. The collision resulted from the motive force’s lack of authorization to function the car.

Moreover, the SAHCO PLC toilet service truck collided with a parked Max Air Restricted plane on November 21, 2021. NSIB acknowledged that the incident occurred as a result of the motive force abruptly pressed the throttle pedal as an alternative of the brake pedal.

It added that an Air Peace Restricted plane skilled a severe incident on January 14, 2021, on account of working with an unserviceable hydraulic system.

The findings, launched in a complete report, emphasised that the investigations aimed to enhance aviation security and to not assign blame.

The report was produced beneath the provisions of Annex 13 to the Conference on Worldwide Civil Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act 2006.

This incident uncovered lapses in ramp supervision and workforce adequacy.

The NSIB emphasised the necessity for strict adherence to plain working procedures and enhanced coaching for aviation personnel.

The report beneficial:

“Floor dealing with operators should guarantee satisfactory manpower for simultaneous operations and strict compliance with operational manuals.”

It additionally known as on aviation colleges to conduct thorough assessments earlier than approving solo flights for pupil pilots.

The Federal Authorities reiterated its dedication to bettering aviation security and aligning with worldwide requirements. Stakeholders had been urged to implement the suggestions promptly to forestall recurrence of such incidents.