Dana airline faces probe over aircraft accident

Nigeria’s aviation authorities said Wednesday they had launched an investigation into how a Dana Air passenger plane overshot the runway while landing in Port Harcourt.

The incident involving a Dana Air Boeing MD-83 jet happened at about 7:30 pm (1830 GMT) on Tuesday. None of the 44 passengers and six crew on board were injured as they were hurriedly evacuated from the aircraft after it ended up in the bush.

Sam Adurogboye, spokesman of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said the agency had commenced investigation into the incident that damaged the aircraft.

In a statement on Wednesday, the airline said safety and comfort would remain its top priority.

“On Tuesday, 20th February, 2018, one of our aircraft operating Abuja -PHC skidded off the runway at the Port Harcourt International Airport as a result of very stormy weather and severe winds upon landing,” the statement read.

“Thankfully there were no casualties and all passengers and crew on board were disembarked safely with the timely response from the ground emergency services. We are grateful for the swift reaction of the emergency response teams and safe evacuation of all on board.

The NCAA boss commended the pilots who he said were able to navigate the aircraft to a complete stop under the circumstance and brought all the precious lives of the passengers and crew to safety.

“We wish to once again reassure our guests that their safety and comfort will remain our top priority and we shall continue to adhere strictly to high standards and recommended practices as required by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.”

Meanwhile a statement from the airline attributed the incident to bad weather.

Recall in this year alone, the airline has recorded two earlier non-fatal incidents. Last month, a commercial aircraft belonging to Dana Air nearly crashed after hitting the fence of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja while in February, the emergency door of another Dana aircraft reportedly fell off upon arrival at the Abuja airport.

Dana airline recorded Nigeria’s worst airline disaster in 2012 when one of its aircraft crashed in Iju Ishaga area of Lagos, killing all 153 passengers and crew.