SLCAA Addresses Reports on Aircraft Incident Involving
Nigerian-Registered Aircraft 5N-BZZ
The
Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has issued an official response
to social media reports regarding an incident involving a Nigerian-registered
aircraft, marked 5N-BZZ, that veered off a runway while operating for Xejet Airline in Nigeria earlier this year. The incident, classified as a "runway excursion," drew public attention and prompted clarifications
from aviation authorities.
In
a recent statement, the SLCAA clarified that the runway excursion took place in
May, during a landing at a Nigerian airport. A runway excursion, in aviation
terms, refers to an event in which an aircraft departs the assigned runway during
takeoff or landing procedures. The SLCAA emphasized that the incident resulted
in no fatalities, injuries, or damage to the aircraft, which was found to have
remained airworthy following the event.
Key Findings from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau
(NSIB)
According
to the Preliminary Report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB),
the incident involved several contributing factors, notably adverse weather
conditions at the time of landing. The NSIB’s preliminary investigation highlighted
the following points:
- Weather
Conditions and Visibility: Visibility was significantly reduced to 1,000 meters
due to heavy rain and thunderstorms. The poor weather conditions had also
impacted preceding flights, with one aircraft conducting a missed approach
due to limited visibility and runway conditions.
- Runway
Contamination:
Heavy rainfall had contaminated the runway with water, contributing to the
excursion. The aircraft ultimately overran the runway, coming to a halt in
the grass verge approximately 3,043 meters from the runway's threshold.
- Landing
Outcome:
The excursion caused deflation of the left main wheel tires, but
otherwise, the aircraft sustained no damage. Passengers were able to
safely disembark using a ladder through the main entry door, with no
reported injuries.
- Crew
and Safety Standards:
The flight crew, who were fully licensed and certified for the flight,
underwent toxicology tests, all of which returned negative results,
confirming they were fit for duty.
Assurance of Aircraft Safety and Compliance
Following the incident, the aircraft underwent scheduled maintenance checks in South Africa. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) conducted a thorough airworthiness inspection of the aircraft, confirming that it met all necessary safety standards.
The SLCAA also dispatched a team from its Directorate of
Flight Safety Standards to Xejet’s base of operations in Nigeria to perform a
comprehensive safety and compliance inspection, which found no significant
operational issues.
The
SLCAA reassured the public that it prioritizes the safety and security of civil
aviation in Sierra Leone. The authority confirmed that only aircraft with valid
airworthiness certifications would be permitted to operate within Sierra
Leone's airspace.
Commitment to Aviation Safety in Sierra Leone
In
light of the incident, the SLCAA reiterated its dedication to maintaining
strict safety and regulatory standards in Sierra Leone’s aviation sector. The
authority aims to uphold these standards through routine inspections,
compliance checks, and continuous oversight to ensure that all aircraft
operating in Sierra Leone are fully certified and airworthy.
This
commitment underscores the SLCAA's proactive approach to safety, as
demonstrated by its swift response to the runway excursion involving 5N-BZZ and
its assurance that any aircraft operating in Sierra Leone meets stringent
international aviation standards.