The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has commenced investigation into the circumstances that led to the Dana Air flight while landing skidding off the runway at Port Harcourt International Airport on Tuesday.
The Minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika who confirmed this in a statement also said the accident was attrobed to heavy rains at the airport.
The statement signed by Mr. James Odaudu, the Deputy Director, Press & Public Affairs on behalf of the minister said the aircraft suffered substantial damage as well as the ground Navigation equipment. But no fatalities were recorded.
“The Dana Air Aircraft, with the following details; 5N-SRI, Flight Number: 0348, Type: MD 83, with 54 souls onboard including 5 crew landed at the Port Harcourt runway 21 and overran the runway at 1751 UTC” the statement indicated.
All onboard were evacuated safely with no reported casualties.
“The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has commenced investigation in accordance to ICAO Annex 13, while the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has heightened Safety oversight over the operator” the statement indicated.
The minister however noted that, “efforts are in place to continuously enhance safety and security in our industry.”
“The Ministry sympathises with the passengers on the aircraft over the traumatic experience and assures that government will not abdicate on its commitment to the safety and security of lives and property in the Nigerian airspace” the statement concluded.
