The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has indicted an Air Peace pilot and co-pilot after toxicology tests revealed the presence of alcohol and cannabis in their systems following a runway excursion at the Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025.
A preliminary report signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, and made available to The PUNCH on Friday, confirmed the findings.
It will be recalled that the Air Peace Boeing 737, carrying 103 passengers, veered off Runway 21 after landing from Lagos, though no injuries or damages were recorded. The aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold—well beyond the recommended zone—and came to a final stop 209 metres into the clearway.
The NSIB explained, “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.”
Toxicological screenings carried out at Rivers State Hospital Management, Department of Medical Laboratory, Port Harcourt, confirmed alcohol in the captain and first officer, while another crew member tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
The bureau noted, “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.”
In response, the NSIB issued safety recommendations to Air Peace, urging stricter crew resource management training, better handling of unstabilised approaches and go-around procedures, and reinforced monitoring of crew fitness-for-duty before flight dispatch.
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