THE Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has linked the skidding off the runway by Dana Air at Lagos Murtala Mohammed airport to failed nose landing gear.
This was, as documented in a preliminary report on the incident by the NSIB and obtained by journalists, on Saturday, May 18.
However, the bureau said the findings are based on a preliminary report, adding that the investigation is still ongoing.
It would be noted that the Dana aircraft, 5N BKI, which was carrying 83 passengers from Abuja, skidded off the Lagos airport runway on April 23, 2024, leading to the diversion of other flights to the international airport.
A runway excursion occurs when an aircraft veers off the runway in use during the take-off or landing run.
Meanwhile, the passengers and the crew onboard the aircraft were safely disembarked without injuries.
The incident consequently resulted in the immediate suspension of the airline from air operation by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
In the preliminary report released on Saturday, the NSIB said the crew selected the landing gear down, and the main landing gear indication lights displayed green.
The report stated that “prior to landing, the crew selected the landing gear down, and the Main Landing Gear Indication Lights displayed green. However, the Nose Landing Gear (NLG) Indication Light remained red.
“The crew followed established procedures by attempting to cycle the landing gear and performing the Emergency Gear Extension checklist. Unfortunately, the NLG remained in an unconfirmed down and locked position.
“During a low pass over the airport, Air Traffic Control (ATC) reported that the NLG appeared extended visually.”
It further noted that the ground spoilers did not automatically deploy upon landing.
According to the bureau, during the landing roll, the crew experienced severe vibration and loud noises from the NLG area, adding that the NLG initially remained extended but ultimately collapsed at approximately 80 knots.
The Captain ordered an evacuation due to safety concerns. Passengers and crew exited safely using the Forward Service Door and deployed escape slide.”
The bureau, therefore, said it will continue to gather and analyse evidence to ascertain the cause of the incident.
The ICIR reported that Dana Air suffered a similar suspension in July 2022 by the regulatory authority that halted its operations on account of a financial and economic health audit carried out on the airline by the regulatory authority.
In the statement on Saturday, the management said it was working to address any concerns and was preparing a restart plan that would ensure the safe and efficient resumption of operations.
“Dana Air is confident that with the continued support of its staff and stakeholders, it will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger than ever,” the statement added.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M