From Suleiman Idris, Lagos
Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace yesterday commended the pilot of it aircraft Boeing 737-300 Captain Simisola Ajibola and her crew for the dexterity they exhibited in handling the aircraft whose nose wheel collapsed on landing on the runway (18R) while the nose wheel gear tire sheared off.
The Captain reported that she noticed sudden weather changes when approaching Lagos from Port Harcourt and demanded to land on the International runway as it is longer and wider than the domestic runway.
After landing safely and rolling to the runway exit, the nose gear developed a problem and partial collapsed.
The crew notified the airport authorities who quickly ensured the safe disembarkation of the passengers via the passenger door.
“We are committed to the safety of our passengers at all time. We will continue to operate in line with international practices and in accordance with regulatory guidelines. We are being assisted by the various authorities to determine to cause of the incident,” Air Peace Chief Operating Officer Mrs. Toyin Olajide told reporters.
Meanwhile, the Accident Investigation Bureau said it has commenced investigation into the incident of the aircraft with registration marks 5N-BQO which occured at about 11:28AM,
The aircraft, with 133 passengers and 6 crew members on board was on approach to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos from Port Harcourt.
The AIB said it was informed of a minor injury but no fatality as it team of safety investigators have commenced investigations.
It said “As the investigating agency, AIB needs and hereby solicits for your help. We want the public to know that we would be amenable to receiving any video clip, relevant evidence, or information any members of the public may have of the accident; that can assist us with this investigation.
AIB Commissioner, Engr. Akin Olateru in a terse statement said “I will like to enjoin the press and the public, to respect the privacy of the people involved and NOT to pre-empt the cause of the accident.”
