The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the runway excursion incident that occurred this morning involving a Dana Airline’s McDonnell Douglas MD-82 aircraft at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The incident occurred around past 9 AM local time. Preliminary fact-finding revealed that Dana Airlines flight 9J0352 (registration number 5N-BKI) carrying 83 passengers and 6 crew members, departed Abuja at 8:20 AM local time and arrived in Lagos around 9:20 AM.

It had been raining, and the runway 18L surface was wet. The aircraft had a technical problem with its landing gear and experienced directional control problems after landing, which made it veer off the runway to the left and travel onto the grassy area near the Runway 18L link 6 turn-off point.

Thankfully, there are no reported fatalities or injuries.  As a precautionary measure, Runway 18L at MMA was temporarily closed following the incident.

“We have commenced an investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the runway excursion event involving Dana Airline MD-82 aircraft with registration marking 5N-BKI,” stated Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB. “A go-team has been dispatched to the incident scene and has begun inquiries. We will leave no stone unturned in examining all aspects surrounding the incident.”

The investigation team has retrieved the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, which will be taken to our lab for data download.

The transcript from Air Traffic Control and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will also be included for forensic analysis and further investigation.

The NSIB team has also measured the aircraft’s veering point from the runway to its final stop on the grass. Crew members have been interviewed and undergone toxicology tests.

As of today, all stakeholders involved in the operation of this aircraft, including the manufacturer, are being notified for their comments to be included in our report.

The NSIB’s investigation of this incident will examine all aspects, including the airworthiness status of the aircraft, operational policies, human factors, weather condition, health and mental status of the crew, aircraft maintenance records, and any previous incidents involving this aircraft’s landing gear system.

In accordance with international aviation safety protocols, a preliminary report containing a summary of basic fact-finding about the incident will be released within 30 days.

A final report with safety recommendations will be issued at the conclusion of the investigation.

During the course of the investigation, NSIB will collaborate with relevant stakeholders including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, as well as other relevant institutions and specialists to gather all necessary information, data, and evidence concerning the operation of the flight.

According to Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji,Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, this investigation aims to identify any safety deficiencies and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The objective of this investigation is to arrive at the cause of the incident and the factors that led to it, and to issue safety recommendations to deter re occurrence.

“Protecting lives and maintaining public confidence in air travel is our utmost priority,” the Director General added. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of travellers impacted by this incident as we work to investigate and report on the circumstances that led to today’s runway excursion.”

The NSIB urges the public to remain patient as the investigation progresses. Regular updates will be provided as new information becomes available.