FG concludes probe into five aviation accidents – Report

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, has concluded investigations into five air accidents and incidents that occurred in 2024.

According to the reports released by NSIB at different times in 2024 and accessed by The PUNCH on Sunday, the accidents involved various airlines and aircraft types, including the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Caverton Helicopters Limited, Aero Contractors Company, SAHCO PLC, and Air Peace Limited.

Additionally, a report from BudgIT’s accountability platform – GovSpend, showed that the NSIB spent the sum of N500m on investigations of various transportation accidents in 2024.

“N500,000,000.00 being payment for the transfer of funds from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau capital development funds to the NSIB account with the CBN which would be used to cater for investigation of a major transportation occurrence in line with the NSIB establishment act, 2022,” the report stated.

The NSIB reports highlighted several causal and contributory factors, including human error, inadequate training, and non-compliance with standard operating procedures.

The findings also made numerous safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

One of the notable accidents involved a Tampico TB–9 aircraft operated by NCAT. A student pilot on their first solo flight, skidded off the runway during a landing attempt. The report noted:

“The decision of the Student Pilot to vacate the active runway at excessive speed was the causal factor,” adding that inadequate supervision and overgrown shrubs along the taxiway contributed to the incident.

Another incident involved a Caverton Helicopters Limited helicopter which crashed on February 2, 2019, due to a brownout condition during landing.

The investigation of the Caverton AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter crash in Kogi State highlighted that the crew encountered a brownout condition during landing, leading to spatial disorientation. According to the report:

“The flight crew encountered a brownout condition, leading to loss of external visual references and situational awareness,” NSIB stated.

NSIB added that on April 29, 2014, a NAHCO Aviance baggage loader vehicle collided with a parked Aero Contractors Company aircraft. The collision resulted from the driver’s lack of authorization to operate the vehicle.

Additionally, the SAHCO PLC lavatory service truck collided with a parked Max Air Limited aircraft on November 21, 2021. NSIB stated that the incident occurred because the driver abruptly pressed the throttle pedal instead of the brake pedal.

It added that an Air Peace Limited aircraft experienced a serious incident on January 14, 2021, due to operating with an unserviceable hydraulic system.

The findings, released in a comprehensive report, emphasised that the investigations aimed to improve aviation safety and not to assign blame.

The report was produced under the provisions of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act 2006.

This incident exposed lapses in ramp supervision and workforce adequacy.

The NSIB emphasised the need for strict adherence to standard operating procedures and enhanced training for aviation personnel.

The report recommended:

“Ground handling operators must ensure adequate manpower for simultaneous operations and strict compliance with operational manuals.”

It also called on aviation schools to conduct thorough assessments before approving solo flights for student pilots.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to improving aviation safety and aligning with international standards. Stakeholders were urged to implement the recommendations promptly to prevent recurrence of such incidents.