NSIB preliminary report reveals Air Peace crew tested positive for drugs and alcohol, prompting urgent safety measures for domestic flights.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report on a serious incident involving a Boeing 737-524 aircraft, registered 5N-BQQ, operated by Air Peace Limited.
The flight, operating from Lagos to Port Harcourt on July 13, 2025, experienced a runway excursion at Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Omagwa, Rivers State.
The aircraft was carrying 103 people, including passengers and crew. During the final approach to Runway 21, the plane was unstabilised—a situation where the aircraft is not properly aligned, at the correct speed, or in the proper descent configuration for landing.
As a result, it landed long, touching down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold, and finally came to a stop 209 metres into the clearway.
Despite the unusual landing, all passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported.
The preliminary report raised further safety concerns after toxicological tests were conducted on the flight crew.
Results indicated the presence of substances consistent with alcohol consumption.
In addition, one cabin crew member tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in cannabis. While these results are early findings, they highlight serious questions about crew fitness and adherence to safety protocols.
Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, emphasised that these results are being reviewed under the human performance and safety management components of the investigation.
She noted that the report is preliminary and that final conclusions will be drawn after further analysis.
In response to the incident, the NSIB issued immediate safety recommendations to Air Peace Limited.
The Bureau advised the airline to strengthen crew resource management (CRM) training, particularly for situations involving unstabilised approaches and go-around decisions.
CRM training ensures that pilots and cabin crew communicate effectively and make safe, coordinated decisions during critical flight phases.
Additionally, the NSIB urged Air Peace to reinforce internal procedures for monitoring crew fitness for duty before flight dispatch.
Ensuring that all crew members are free from alcohol or drugs before flying is essential to prevent potential accidents and maintain passenger safety.
Aviation experts note that impairment due to alcohol or drugs remains a critical factor in many incidents worldwide.
The NSIB’s findings highlight the need for strict adherence to both local and international aviation safety standards.
Although Nigerian airlines have made progress in recent years, this incident underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and robust safety practices.
The NSIB stressed that the preliminary report does not represent a final conclusion.
The final report, once completed, will provide a detailed examination of operational procedures, crew decision-making, and additional recommendations aimed at enhancing aviation safety across Nigeria.
These insights will guide airlines and regulators in preventing similar incidents in the future.
This case has also sparked discussions regarding regulatory enforcement for crew fitness.
Analysts recommend that random and routine drug and alcohol testing should be strictly enforced to ensure all airline personnel meet required safety standards.
The NSIB’s recommendations for Air Peace are part of proactive steps to strengthen internal monitoring systems and safeguard flights from potential hazards.
While no injuries occurred during this particular flight, aviation advocacy groups have stressed that such situations could escalate quickly if conditions worsen or if operational errors occur.
The incident highlights the need for a strong safety culture within airlines, encompassing pre-flight checks, crew discipline, and adherence to standard operating procedures.
Air Peace Limited has acknowledged the NSIB report and expressed its commitment to implementing the recommended safety measures.
The airline is reviewing internal procedures for crew fitness monitoring, reinforcing training protocols, and adopting stricter pre-flight assessments.
Such actions are expected to improve both operational safety and public confidence in the airline.
The NSIB also reiterated that aviation safety is a collective responsibility. Airlines, regulatory authorities, and crew members must collaborate to maintain and improve safety standards.
Addressing the preliminary findings related to the presence of drugs and alcohol in the crew will help prevent future incidents and ensure safer flights for all passengers.
The NSIB’s preliminary investigation into the Air Peace flight incident has revealed significant safety concerns, particularly regarding crew fitness and drug or alcohol consumption.
While the flight ended safely, the findings serve as a reminder of the potential risks associated with impaired performance in aviation.
The Bureau’s recommendations aim to strengthen crew training, enforce stricter monitoring, and enhance overall aviation safety in Nigeria.
The final report, once released, will provide comprehensive guidance for airlines, regulators, and crew members to prevent similar occurrences and maintain the highest standards of air travel safety.