Why NCAA Cleared Air Peace Co-Pilot Despite Runway Incident, NSIB Report

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has explained why the co-pilot of the Air Peace aircraft involved in a runway incident at Port Harcourt International Airport was cleared despite concerns raised in a Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) report. The incident occurred on 13 June when the aircraft landed 2,264 metres from the runway threshold, far beyond the recommended touchdown zone, and eventually stopped 209 metres into the clearway. Following the incident, the NSIB conducted medical tests which it said showed traces of alcohol and cannabis in some crew members. While this created public concern, Air Peace disputed the claims, clarifying that not all crew were implicated.

NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, confirmed that the co-pilot had been reinstated after the authority’s investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing. He stressed that both the NCAA’s own findings and the NSIB’s preliminary report showed the co-pilot was not culpable. According to him, the co-pilot had even advised the captain to go around, a safety recommendation that was not followed. Achimugu argued that it would be unfair to ground a crew member for a year while investigations continue when no evidence links them to misconduct.

He added that NCAA follows internationally recognised procedures in handling such cases, including the use of approved testing centres, and insisted the process was fair and transparent. The Director General of NCAA, Chris Najomo, has also resumed further investigations to ensure thoroughness. Achimugu noted that regulations, however well written, must be tested in real incidents, which is why the authority regularly reviews and updates its policies. He also reminded airlines of their duty to maintain internal compliance measures and report them to the NCAA.

The decision has, however, attracted scrutiny from aviation stakeholders. Industry expert Bamidele Badmos cautioned that the image of Air Peace is at stake, and that the matter could affect Nigeria’s bilateral air service agreements if not handled strictly. He emphasised that aviation infractions must be treated with consistency and seriousness to protect safety standards. Badmos also advised that airline staff should avoid making informal public comments on sensitive investigations, warning that such actions could create confusion and damage credibility.