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Tag: NSIB

  • Air Peace reacts to NSIB’s ‘scandalous’ drug reports on crew members

    Air Peace reacts to NSIB’s ‘scandalous’ drug reports on crew members

    Air Peace Airline has reacted to reports by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), alleging that its flight crew tested positive for intoxicating substances following the incident.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that NSIB on Friday alleged that toxicology tests performed on Air Peace crew indicated alcohol consumption, and that one crew member also tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the psychoactive compound found in cannabis.

    The investigations was prompted after the aircraft, operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt, reportedly experienced an unstabilised approach and landed 2,264 metres beyond the runway threshold before finally stopping 209 metres into the clearway. All 103 passengers and crew disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.

    However, the airline via a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday,  said it had not received any official communication from the NSIB about such findings—over a month after the incident.

    The statement reads: “The captain of the affected flight was grounded and removed from flight duty immediately after the incident for failing to follow Crew Resource Management (CRM) procedures and ignoring a go-around suggestion from the First Officer.

    “This action was taken without knowledge of any failed breathalyser result, as we’ve not been notified of such by NSIB.”

    Air Peace insisted it places utmost priority on safety, transparency, and regulatory compliance, and described the media reports as misleading.

    However, Air Peace rejected these claims and clarified its internal safety practices:

    The statement added, “We have a zero-tolerance policy for drug use and a stricter alcohol-use policy than required. Drug use is a NO-NO at Air Peace.”

    Air Peace defended the co-pilot’s conduct, saying he acted professionally by initiating a go-around during the unstable approach, and was cleared by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to resume duties.

    “If the First Officer had tested positive for any banned substance, the NCAA would not have cleared him. He remains a valued crew member,” it stated.

    The airline reiterated that it would intensify internal crew monitoring, including more frequent alcohol and drug tests, and enhance training on CRM and safety protocols.

    “Our track record speaks for itself. Air Peace is IOSA-certified and remains committed to global best practices in aviation safety. We reassure the public that safety remains our top priority,” the statement concluded.

  • Air Peace crew implicated in hard drugs, alcohol use – NSIB

    Air Peace crew implicated in hard drugs, alcohol use – NSIB

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB)has accused Air Peace pilot and a Co-pilot of taking hard drugs and alcohol.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji made this know in a preliminary report on Friday where she disclosed that the crew tested positive for the substances after an Air Peace aircraft they flew was involved in a runway incursion at the Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025.

    Recall that an Air Peace aircraft, on a Sunday morning of 13th June, had a runway excursion after landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport. The aircraft veered off the runway without any damage.

    According to NSIB reports, the pilots who were flying an Air Peace Boeing 737 aircraft were involved in a serious incident while carrying 103 passengers.

    The NSIB said, “The aircraft, operating as a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt with 103 persons on board, landed long on Runway 21 after an unstabilised final approach. The aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold and came to a final stop 209 metres into the clearway.

    “All passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported.”

    The NSIB revealed that the aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold, well beyond the recommended touchdown zone, and eventually came to a stop at 209 metres into the clearway.
    While all on board disembarked safely, the incident raised immediate safety concerns.

    The preliminary reports disclosed that toxicological test results conducted on the flight crew turned out positive. The Tests indicated the presence of alcohol in the system of the crew, while another crew member also tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound found in cannabis, colloquially referred to as “India hemp.”

    The bureau noted that these toxicology results are being assessed within the scope of human performance and safety management, both critical factors in aviation incident investigations.
    Following the development, the NSIB said it had issued immediate safety recommendations to the airline.

    The statement further reads, “Initial toxicological tests conducted on the flight crew revealed positive results for certain substances, including indicators of alcohol consumption. A cabin crew member also tested positive for THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis. These results are being reviewed under the human performance and safety management components of the investigation.

    “The NSIB has issued immediate safety recommendations for Air Peace Limited to strengthen crew resource management training, particularly in handling unstabilised approaches and go-around decisions, and to reinforce internal procedures for crew fitness-for-duty monitoring before flight dispatch.

    “Toxicological test was conducted on the flight crew at Rivers state hospital management, department of medical laboratory, Port Harcourt, on 13th July 2025, and they tested positive for some substances. Toxicological screening conducted post-incident revealed that Captain and first officer tested positive for Ethyl Glucuronide, indicating recent alcohol consumption.”

  • Fresh details emerge on Abuja-Kaduna train derailment

    Fresh details emerge on Abuja-Kaduna train derailment

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has revealed that six persons sustained injuries with no fatalities, during Abuja- Kaduna train derailment.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, the NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance,  in Abuja on Tuesday.

    According to her, the bureau sympathises with those injured and extends its support to all passengers affected.

    “NSIB is aware of the derailment involving a Kaduna-bound train service which occurred at approximately 11:09 a.m. today,  Aug. 26, 2025, at KM 49 between Kubwa Station and Asham Station.

    “Current information available indicates that six persons sustained injuries, and no recorded fatalities.

    A go-team has been deployed to the site to gather evidence, engage relevant stakeholders, and commence investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

    “The bureau investigation into the incidence will focus on identifying the direct and underlying factors that led to the derailment, with the aim of issuing safety recommendations to prevent a recurrence,” she said.

    Commenting on the incident, Capt. Alex Badeh, the Director-General of NSIB, who  sympathised with those that sustained injuries, stated that the bureau had deployed investigators to the site.

    According to him, the investigators will carry out prudence observation to ensure the root cause of the derailment is uncovered.

    “Our commitment is to ensure safer rail transport for Nigerians through a transparent and independent investigation.

    “The NSIB will provide updates as the investigation progresses.

    “NSIB is a multimodal transport agency charged with promoting transport safety and conducting objective, comprehensive, and accurate investigations into transport accidents and incidents in Nigeria.

    “The bureau aims to identify probable causes and advocate for safety improvements based on the findings,” he said.

  • How passengers, crew survived Max Air aircraft accident

    How passengers, crew survived Max Air aircraft accident

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says it has initiated an investigation into the incident involving a Boeing 737-400 aircraft with registration  no.5N-MBD, operated by Max Air.

    NSIB’s Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, said this in a statement in Lagos on Wednesday.

    She said that the incident occurred at approximately 10:48 p.m. on Jan. 28 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano (MAKIA).

    Oladeji said that the aircraft, flying from Lagos to Kano with 53 passengers and six crew members onboard, landed on runway 06.

    “During the deceleration phase, while still under 60 knots and with the thrust reversers engaged, a loud bang was heard; followed by the aircraft veering sharply to the left.

    “The flight crew promptly regained control and safely brought the aircraft to a stop. All 53 passengers and crew members safely disembarked, and no injuries were reported,” she said.

    Oladeji  said that the NSIB had deployed its GoTeam to the site of the incident. She said that the team’s investigation would focus on identifying the root cause, including any technical, operational, or procedural lapses.

    “The NSIB remains committed to upholding the highest aviation safety standards and providing recommendations to prevent future occurrences. As the investigation progresses, further updates will be provided,” she said.

  • NSIB gives update on crashed PH Helicopter, discloses new findings

    NSIB gives update on crashed PH Helicopter, discloses new findings

    The Director General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Capt. Alex Badeh Jnr, has released the preliminary report on the helicopter crash involving a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5N-BQG, operated by East Wind Aviation confirming that two crew members and one passenger are yet to be found.

    Capt. Badeh Jnr, disclosed this during a press conference and stakeholders’ engagement held at the NSIB headquarters in Abuja, where six final incident reports and one preliminary report were presented.

    Badeh, while, providing details on the October 24 crash stated that the helicopter had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and was equipped with a solid-state Cockpit Voice Recorder.

    However, it was not fitted with a Flight Data Recorder, which contravenes NCAA regulations.

    The other final reports presented include: a serious incident involving a Beech Baron 58 aircraft operated by the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, an accident involving a Bell 429 helicopter operated by the Nigeria Police Air Wing, a ground collision involving a Max Air EMB-135BJ with registration 5N-BXK and a parked ATR 42 aircraft operated by the Nigerian Air Force.

    Releasing the Sikorsky crash report, Badeh, in the findings of the investigating team cited how a person on duty at NUIM Antan reported to the Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) that he saw a helicopter from the western route with thick smoke emanating from the engine ditch into the water.

    According to the findings, “The personnel stated that the helicopter appeared to be struggling to gain balance right before it crashed into the ocean.

    “The HLO reported calling 5N-BQG via radio three times, but there was no response, so they immediately made a PAN PAN call. Search and rescue operation was activated involving combined efforts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), HD PIONEER Hydro Drive, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and several ships that were sailing around the vicinity of the accident site.”

    According to the NSIB  report,the ill-fated helicopter Radio Altimeter was snagged and deferred on October 18th when the same helicopter finally crashed on October 24, 2024.

    This preliminary report provides details of the initial facts, discussions, and findings surrounding the occurrence. It includes information gathered from witness statements.

    The report reads, “On 24 October 2024, a Sikorsky S76C+ Helicopter with nationality and registration marks 5N-BQG operated by Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited was on a drop-off and pick-up operation of oil workers to NUIM Antan, a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility located near the Bight of Bonny in the Atlantic Ocean.”

    The report also disclosed that the helicopter was not fitted with a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) as against the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 7.8.2.2(q) which requires all helicopters with a maximum take-off mass of over 3, 175kg and up to 7,000kg to be fitted with an FDR.

    The report also showed the medical certificate to be valid till 30 June 2025 while the simulator is valid till 18 April 2025 just as the instrument rating is valid till 18 April 2025 and the proficiency check till 11 January 2026.

    The report said Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) was recovered from the seabed at the accident site on 8 November 2024, the 13th day after the accident.

    It added, “Upon recovery, the CVR was immersed in fresh water in a container and transported to the flight recorder laboratory of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States of America for readout and analysis. The last 31 minutes of the CVR recording were successfully downloaded.”

    The report also revealed that while approaching the crash area, fuel was observed on the surface water, while helicopter debris and some personal belongings of the flight crew and passengers were scattered all over the area.

    The East Wind Aviation helicopter, with Registration Number 5NBQG, reportedly took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route to the FPSO – NUIMS Antan.

    The name of the workers are Tamunoemi Suku, Alu Lawrence, Etim Emmanuel, Kenneth Chikwem, Frank Oriamre, and Borris Ndorbo. The pilot was identified as Captain Yakubu Dukas.

  • Finally, black box of fatal PH helicopter crash found

    Finally, black box of fatal PH helicopter crash found

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), in collaboration with other Search and Recovery partners has recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the ditched Sikorsky SK76 helicopter.

    The NSIB’s Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji disclosed in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Lagos.

    Oladeji said that the Search and Recovery partners in the investigation are the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Nigerian Navy, and HydroDive.

    The ditched Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5N BQG crashed off the coast of Bonny Finima, Atlantic Ocean, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on October 24. The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, was transporting eight passengers at the time of the accident.

    Oladeji said that since the accident, NSIB and its Search and Recovery partners had coordinated a search and recovery effort.

    She added that the search had been in collaboration with local and international partners to locate and retrieve the bodies of the deceased and the critical components necessary for a comprehensive investigation.

    The spokesperson said that the FDR and CVR, commonly referred to as the aircraft’s “black box,” was retrieved Friday morning.

    According to her, the device is crucial in helping investigators analyse flight performance and cockpit communications to determine the sequence of events leading up to the accident.

    She added that the recovered recorder had been secured for transport to NSIB’s data analysis lab, where it would undergo data extraction and analysis by NSIB’s specialists.

    Oladeji added that the analysis would help the bureau gain insights into the operational and technical conditions preceding the accident and to help determine the cause of the accident.

    She said that as at Friday , three individuals remained unaccounted for, and long-term search efforts continue in coordination with local and international partners.

    She added that further updates would be provided as the investigation progressed  and significant developments emerged.

    The NSIB Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh commended the recovery teams and stressed the importance of the investigation.

    “The recovery of the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder marks a monumental step in understanding what led to this tragic accident.

    “The black box holds vital information that will provide invaluable insight into the sequence of events leading up to the accident, which will help us to determine the cause and inform any necessary safety recommendations.

    “While our thoughts are with the families of those still unaccounted for, concerted efforts are being made to find the missing individuals and provide answers to the families affected by this accident, ” he said.

    The NSIB has recovered bodies of five of the eight individuals said to be aboard the ill-fated helicopter. On October 31, the bureau announced the recovery of the wreckage of the ditched chopper.

  • Tail boom of crashed Port Harcourt helicopter recovered – NSIB

    Tail boom of crashed Port Harcourt helicopter recovered – NSIB

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced the successful recovery of the tail boom of the ill-fated Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, which ditched in the Atlantic Ocean, Port Harcourt, Rivers.

    The NSIB disclosed this in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji on Thursday night.

    It said the helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, had eight individuals on board when it crashed near Bonny Finima, Port Harcourt on October 24.

    According to NSIB’s statement, the tail boom was identified during recovery dives approximately 0.775 nautical miles from the FPSO Adoon, at a depth of 42 meters, with coordinates Latitude 04° 13.634′ N and Longitude 008° 19.442′ E.

    NSIB’s Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh, lauded the teamwork and cooperation among parties involved in the search and recovery efforts.

    “Locating the wreckage is a critical milestone in understanding the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.

    “We are determined to conduct a thorough investigation to provide clarity and closure to the families of those affected.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that five bodies out of the eight individuals on board have been recovered.

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, confirmed the recovery via his X handle on Thursday evening.

  • Helicopter Crash: NSIB says 5th body recovered

    Helicopter Crash: NSIB says 5th body recovered

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says it has recovered the fifth body from the Oct. 24 helicopter crash that occurred in the Atlantic Ocean in Port Harcourt, Rivers.

    This is contained in a statement signed by NSIB’s Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji on Wednesday night.

    It said the bureau continued its coordinated recovery operation and investigation following the ditching of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation.

    According to the statement, a total of five bodies have been recovered so far and the fifth body recovered today required specialised handling due to its decomposed state before being transported to the morgue.

    The Director-General of NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh, said that the bureau would continue to collaborate with national and international partners to ensure a diligent recovery and investigative process.

    Badeh said that the investigation process would be in line with its mandate to promote transportation safety across Nigeria.

    “The recovery operation presents unique challenges due to the environmental conditions, but our team and partners are dedicated to bringing this mission to completion with utmost professionalism and care.

    ‘We are grateful for the coordinated support from everyone involved in this recovery effort, including the Nigerian Navy, in ensuring a respectful recovery process.

    “Our primary objective remains to uncover information that will fully explain the circumstances of this accident, and our thoughts continue to be with the families affected, ” he said.

    The statement said that the accident took place off the Coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean and involved eight individuals onboard.

    The statement also highlighted details of the NSIB’s investigative efforts “as of today, which included; as at 9.35 a.m., HD Steadfast vessel identified a body in the water, recovery actions were initiated by deploying the Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) for retrieval of the body.

    “At 9.40 a.m., Antan HSE and security teams were contacted to coordinate an evacuation plan; 9.55 a.m., Eastwind Aviation was contacted to explore possible air ambulance support from Caverton Aviation.

    “At 10.40 a.m., HD Steadfast deployed a drone to conduct an extended aerial search of the area to locate additional floating objects or bodies.

    “At 10.45 a.m., Sea conditions presented challenges to the FRC crew for recovery. Coordination with HD Steadfast allowed the team to use its crane to retrieve the body safely and transfer it to the FPSO deck, despite inclement weather.

    “Also, at 10.49 a.m., Following Eastwind’s notification that air ambulance providers were unavailable, NSIB engaged the Nigerian Navy for logistical support and at 11.15 a.m., the body was successfully retrieved by the FRC and prepared for transfer to the FPSO deck.

    “At 11.41 a.m., an identification process commenced; while no clothing was found on the body, investigators examined specific characteristics for identity confirmation.

    “Meanwhile, between 12.49 p.m. and 2.44 p.m., the Nigerian Navy was contacted to assist with body evacuation to land.

    “Eastwind Aviation provided crew photographs to support physical identification and the mortician arrived at the Nigerian Air Force Base to prepare the body for transportation.

    “At 8.00 p.m., divers encountered fragments of clean fibreglass and aluminium, likely from the aircraft.”

    According to the statement, these findings will guide the search grid’s adjustments as NSIB aims to intensify recovery operations within the accident vicinity.

     

  • NSIB launches investigation into helicopter accident

    NSIB launches investigation into helicopter accident

    The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the accident involving a Sikorsky SK76c helicopter with registration 5N-BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, the NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, on Thursday in Abuja.

    According to her, the helicopter, carrying eight individuals – six passengers and two crew members – went down into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Calabar.

    She said the incident occurred during a routine flight at approximately 11:22 a.m. local time on Thursday.

    “The aircraft was en route from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the Anton Offshore Facility when it lost contact with air traffic controllers around 10:52 a.m.

    “Operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), the helicopter did not transmit an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal, prompting authorities to manually plot the accident’s location to expedite search and rescue efforts.

    “Search and rescue operations were activated immediately, with the NSIB collaborating closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Armed Forces and other relevant agencies.”

    According to her, emergency response teams are actively working to locate survivors, with three bodies recovered so far.

    She said the search continued with the support from neighbouring aerodromes, military units, and low-flying aircraft.

    She quoted Capt. Alex Badeh, the NSIB Director -General, as saying that the thoughts and prayers of the entire NSIB staff were with the families affected by the tragic incident.

    “We are fully committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding this accident. We will work diligently to ensure that all necessary information is collected.

    “The public must avoid speculation during this sensitive time, as our focus is on providing clarity and accountability through our investigation.

    “The NSIB is actively preparing to dispatch a go-team to the scene to gather evidence and conduct a comprehensive analysis.

    “A preliminary report will be issued in due course to provide updates on the investigation’s progress.”

    Badeh said that NSIB remained dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability through the independent accident investigation process, ultimately enhancing transportation safety in Nigeria.

    NAN reports that NSIB is a multimodal transport agency charged with the mandate of promoting transport safety and conducting objective, thorough, and accurate investigations into transport accidents and incidents in Nigeria.

    NSIB aim is to identify probable causes and advocate for safety improvements based on the findings.

  • Investigation begins into Abuja-Kaduna train derailment

    Investigation begins into Abuja-Kaduna train derailment

    The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the Abuja-Kaduna train that derailed at the Jere corridor.

    Some coaches of the  train which departed the Rigasa Train Station in Kaduna on Sunday morning to Abuja reportedly derailed in a mountainous area near Jere.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Bimbo Oladeji , the NSIB Director of Consumer Public Affairs and Consumer Protection on Instagram (@nsibofficial) on Sunday.

    “NSIB is aware of the derailment of an Abuja -bound train from Kaduna which occurred halfway into the journey at Jere. A team has been deployed to the site of the incident.,” she said.

    The train which had dozens of passengers on board departed Kaduna around 8:05 am. Three carriages were reported to have skidded off the tracks.

    Security personnel, including the Nigeria Police and Army, were present at the site to provide support.

    The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has assured passengers that normal train services between Kaduna-Rigasa, Idu Abuja would continue inspite of the derailment.

    Yakub Mahmood, the NRC Deputy Director of Public Relations, who made this known in a statement in Abuja, said the derailment would not hinder operations.

    “All the passengers on board the Kaduna-Rigasa to Idu-Abuja arrived at their respective destinations safely. Meanwhile, a team of NRC Engineers are already at the site to restore the affected locations.

    “The NRC management regrets any inconveniences to our affected valued passengers. NRC wishes to assure our passengers of our efforts toward ensuring their safety and comfort always,” he said.