James Uche
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has indicted an Air Peace pilot and co-pilot for operating under the influence of alcohol and drugs during a flight that narrowly avoided disaster.
The incident, which occurred on July 13, 2025, involved an Air Peace Boeing 737 carrying 103 passengers on a scheduled flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt. After an unstabilised final approach, the aircraft landed long on Runway 21 at the Port Harcourt International Airport, veering off the runway in what investigators described as a “serious incident.”
Although the aircraft came to a stop without damage and all passengers disembarked safely, subsequent toxicological tests revealed shocking results. According to NSIB’s preliminary report, the flight captain tested positive for alcohol, while another crew member tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
The report signed by Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, confirmed:
“Toxicological screening conducted post-incident revealed that the Captain and First Officer tested positive for Ethyl Glucuronide, indicating recent alcohol consumption. A cabin crew member also tested positive for THC.”
The NSIB stressed that the findings highlight major lapses in crew fitness monitoring and human performance management in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The Bureau has since issued immediate safety recommendations to Air Peace, calling for stronger crew resource management training, stricter enforcement of internal pre-flight checks, and reinforced protocols to prevent intoxicated personnel from being dispatched.
Investigators also disclosed that the aircraft had touched down 2,264 metres beyond the runway threshold, well outside the recommended landing zone, before coming to a final stop 209 metres into the clearway.
While no injuries were recorded, the revelation that the crew operated under the influence has raised grave concerns about passenger safety and aviation standards.
The NSIB said the full investigation is ongoing and promised more findings in subsequent reports.