Air Peace pilots indicted for intoxication after runway incident. NSIB confirms alcohol and THC in crew’s system. Safety recommendations issued

Air Peace pilots indicted for intoxication in connection with a serious runway incident that occurred at Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025, according to a preliminary report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

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The aircraft, a Boeing 737 operated by Air Peace, had veered off the runway after landing late on Runway 21 following an unstabilised final approach.

Although no injuries or aircraft damage were reported, the incident raised immediate and alarming safety concerns.

The NSIB’s toxicological screening revealed that both the captain and the first officer had recently consumed alcohol, while a cabin crew member tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis.

“The presence of these substances in the flight crew’s system is being analysed as part of the human performance and safety management components of the investigation,” said Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs at the NSIB.

The preliminary report also confirmed that the aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold—well beyond the recommended touchdown zone—and only came to a stop 209 metres into the clearway. Onboard were 103 passengers, all of whom disembarked safely.

Following the revelations, the NSIB issued immediate safety recommendations to Air Peace.

These include reinforcing crew fitness-for-duty monitoring protocols and strengthening training on managing unstabilised approaches and making go-around decisions.

This incident has spotlighted a deeply troubling human factor risk in aviation safety: pilot intoxication, now added to the growing list of threats such as miscommunication, equipment failure, and infrastructure issues.

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As the investigation continues, aviation authorities and airlines across Nigeria are expected to face increased scrutiny over crew monitoring and pre-flight safety checks.

Source: Read more at iretura.com