The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released three aviation incident reports, and one marine accident report, while also issuing 20 safety recommendations.
The reports include final report on a serious incident involving an Embraer EMB-145LR registered 5N-BVD operated by Air Peace Limited which occurred at Kaduna Airport on January 14 ,2021.
Also, a preliminary report on a serious incident involving a MD-82 aircraft operated by Dana Airlines Limited Registered 5N-BKI, which occurred on Runway 18L of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos on April 23, 2024.
Others are a final report on the incident involving a ground collision between a Lavatory Service Truck with fleet number 9/5 operated by Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) and a parked Boeing 737-300 aircraft registered 5N-DAB operated by Max Air Limited which occurred at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on November 21, 2021, and a preliminary report on a boat accident at one nautical mile from Onono Jetty in Anambra West LGA, Anambra State en route Asaba Jetty in Asaba, Delta State on April 10, 2024.
The Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jnr., during a press conference in Abuja on Friday disclosed that the investigation team was able to uncover the root causes of the various incidents and accidents through meticulous analysis, thorough research, and unwavering dedication.
He restated the Bureau’s commitment to promoting a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
His words:”The publication of these reports serves as a testament to our commitment to safety and underscores our mission to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“We understand the importance of sharing knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices with all stakeholders involved in the transportation industry. We can collectively strive towards a safer and more secure environment by fostering collaboration and open communication”.
The Bureau’s Director of Transport Investigation, Engr. Abdullahi Babanya, reeled out the findings of the team and announced the safety recommendations.
On the recent Dana Air incident, three recommendations were directed to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and one to the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
The Bureau recommended that the NCAA should ensure Dana Air uses the Quick Reference Handbook timely during critical flight phases when dealing with abnormal and emergency situations.
It advocated following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure Dana adheres to standard phraseology when communicating indication malfunctions during abnormal or emergency operations.
The NSIB further charged the NCAA to review Dana Air’s training programme and Operating Procedures to emphasise Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Threat and Error Management (TEM).
On the part of NAMA, the investigators recommended it must ensure Air Traffic Controllers insist on communication of specific malfunctions using standard phraseology. For example, using “indicated system malfunction…” rather than “Gear Disagree.”
On the Air Peace serious incident, it pointed out that the airline should ensure that its personnel adhere to the company’s approved instruction, guidelines and procedures, 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.
In the same vein, it recommended to the NCAA to enhance its oversight of Kaduna Airport to ensure operations are conducted in compliance with the relevant provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, including compliance with Part 12.6.16.10 regarding regular testing of response time to evaluate effectiveness of the Fire-fighting service of the airport.
On the incident involving SAHCO and an aircraft belonging to Max Air, the NSIB’s recommendation noted that the ground handling company should ensure adherence to its Standard Operating Procedures and provisions in its manuals including sections 3.3.4 and 3.5.2, as well as section 7.1.3.5 and 7.1.3.6 of its Ground Operations Manual.
Similarly, on the marine incident, the Bureau issued four safety recommendations.
It highlighted that National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) should:”Ensure that all boats involved in commercial activities (goods and passengers) within the national inland waterways are registered. Ensure adequate safety measures are implemented and enforced in our inland waterways.
“Increase the sensitization and enlightenment of boat operators on safe operations and security along the Anam river and our inland waterways. Provide training to local fishermen and boat association members as rescue divers so as to provide prompt rescue in the event of an occurrence in our inland waterways”.
