JUST IN: Air Peace Crew Tested Positive for Alcohol, Drugs — NSIB Report

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that the pilot and co-pilot of an Air Peace aircraft tested positive for alcohol and drugs after a runway incursion at Port Harcourt International Airport.

According to the preliminary report released on Friday by NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, toxicological screening revealed that both flight crew members had alcohol in their systems, while another crew member tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis.

The incident occurred on July 13, 2025, when an Air Peace Boeing 737 operating a domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt veered off the runway during landing. The aircraft, carrying 103 passengers and crew, landed long after an unstabilised final approach, touching down 2,264 metres beyond the runway threshold before coming to a stop 209 metres into the clearway.

Fortunately, all passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries were recorded.

NSIB described the event as a serious safety incident, stressing that intoxication has now been identified as a contributing factor to runway incursions, alongside causes such as miscommunication, human error, or faulty equipment.

The report stated:

“Initial toxicological tests conducted on the flight crew revealed positive results for certain substances, including indicators of alcohol consumption. A cabin crew member also tested positive for THC. These results are being reviewed under the human performance and safety management components of the investigation.”

In response, NSIB has issued immediate safety recommendations to Air Peace. These include strengthening crew resource management training, improving decision-making during unstable approaches, and tightening fitness-for-duty monitoring before flights.

The bureau added that further analysis is ongoing, but the preliminary findings underscore the urgent need for stricter adherence to global aviation safety standards.