The
Federal Government yesterday listed the urgency of a comprehensive safety, technical and financial health audit as part
of the reasons it ordered the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to
suspend the flight operations of DANA Air .
The
suspension of the airline, it was learnt came
on the heels of Tuesday's runway excursion of one the airline's MD 82
aircraft with 83 passengers and six crew members which veered off the runway
into grassy areas of the Lagos Airport Runway.
The
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo in a letter to
NCAA directed the regulator to immediately suspend the operations of the
airline because of recent incidents involving DANA Air , which he said have
raised serious concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of
their operations.
In
a letter signed on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr
Emmanuel Meribole, Keyamo said : “As the supervisor overseeing our nation’s
aviation safety and regulatory compliance, it has come to the minister’s
attention that recent incidents involving the airline have raised serious concerns regarding both
the safety and financial viability of their operations.
“In
the light of these incidents and with the paramount priority being the safety
and well-being of our citizens and travellers, you are directed to immediately
initiate the suspension of Dana Air’s fleet until a comprehensive audit can be
conducted."
The
audit, Keyamo said should encompass all aspects of safety protocols,
maintenance procedures, and financial health to ensure full compliance with all
aviation regulations.
He
went on: “The recent incidents have underscored the urgency of this matter, and
it is imperative that swift and decisive action be taken to safeguard the
interests of all stakeholders involved.
"I
trust in your expertise and diligence in carrying out this audit thoroughly and
expeditiously. Please keep me informed of the progress and any significant
findings throughout the process."
Tuesday's
incident involving DANA Air aircraft led to the closure of the runway at the
Lagos Airport.
Though
the NCAA and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (ÑSIB) are currently probing
the incident, the government's suspension of the airline, has , however sparked
reactions among industry players.
Many
industry players observed that the Ministry of Aviation should have allowed
NCAA and NSIB to complete their assignment before slamming the carrier.
DANA
Air, had on Tuesday already grounded the aircraft to enable its maintenance
team carry out full investigations.
Speaking
on the matter, safety advocate and Chief Executive Officer of Centurion
Security Limited, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd) warned that the minister is
climbing the aviation tree beyond its top leaves.
“Let
those who are close to him tell him that he has no such powers and the international
aviation community particularly ICAO is watching us and in particular the NCAA.
"I
said it earlier that he has taken over not only as the Minister but more as the
CEO of all the agencies. The reports of the responsible agencies are yet to be
out and he has already found the airline negligent. How? He has made both the
NCAA and NISB irrelevant. This is another institutional corruption brewing out
from the aviation industry."
The
NSIB on Tuesday, as part of its preliminary findings noted that the aircraft had
a technical problem.
It
observed that the technical problem affected the landing gear, which experienced directional
control problems after touching down
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.
The
NSIB in a statement said: "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.
"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."
On
July 19, 2022 a Boeing 737 aircraft in the fleet of DANA Air had an emergency
landing at the Abuja Airport.
The
airline said the aircraft was grounded for immediate attention for its
engineers.
The
airline said the incident was due to an indication on one of its engines.
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