5N-BQQ: NSIB Preliminary Report Fingers Alcohol Consumption, Cannabis Among Flight Crew By Ugo Justice

5N-BQQ: NSIB Preliminary Report Fingers Alcohol Consumption Among Flight Crew

By Ugo Justice

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report on a serious incident involving an Air Peace Limited Boeing 737-524 aircraft with registration marks 5N-BQQ, revealing alcohol consumption amongst the flight crew.

The incident occurred on July 13, 2025, at Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Incident Details

The aircraft, carrying 103 passengers and crew, landed long on Runway 21 after an established final approach, touching down 2,264 meters from the runway threshold. Fortunately, all passengers and crew disembarked safely without injuries. The aircraft came to a stop 209 meters into the clearway.

Investigation Findings

Initial toxicological tests revealed positive results for certain substances, including indicators of alcohol consumption, among the flight crew. A cabin crew member also tested positive for THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis. These results are being reviewed as part of the investigation into human performance and safety management.

Safety Recommendations

In response to the incident, the NSIB has issued safety recommendations for Air Peace Limited. These include:
– Strengthening Crew Resource Management (CRM) Training: Air Peace is advised to enhance CRM training, focusing on handling unstabilized approaches and go-around decisions.
– Reinforcing Crew Fitness-for-Duty Monitoring: The airline is also recommended to reinforce internal procedures for monitoring crew fitness-for-duty before flight dispatch.

NSIB however, added that the full preliminary report is available on its website, with detailed findings and further analysis to be included in the final report.