AIB begins investigation into Air Peace flight incident at P/Harcourt airport

The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) dispatched a team to
investigate the incident of an Air Peace aircraft skidding off the
runway at Port Harcourt International Airport in Omagwa, Rivers State,
on Saturday.
General Manager, Public Affairs of AIB,  Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, in a
statement in Lagos said a team of investigators had been sent to the
site.
The Air Peace Flight P47291 from Abuja to Port Harcourt overshot the
runway while touching down at the airport during heavy rainfall.
“The AIB has been notified of the Air Peace flight from Abuja to Port
Harcourt with 94 passengers and six crew members on board with
Registration marks 5N-BRN.
“The aircraft skidded off the runway to the left about 1300m from the
runway 21 threshold at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
“All passengers and crew have been evacuated safely. AIB has
dispatched investigators who are on their way to the site,” Oketunbi
said.
The Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, had
earlier attributed the incident to flooding of the runway.
Olajide said: “We confirm that Air Peace Flight P47291 Abuja-Port
Harcourt had a runway excursion upon landing at the Port Harcourt
International Airport on June 22 due to downpour.
“Our professional crew quickly recovered within seconds of the
incident and the aircraft was successfully normalised.
“Our esteemed passengers on board the flight were calm during the
incident and disembarked normally.
“Our team of experts and the authorities are currently reviewing the
incident and we will give our cooperation for a thorough exercise.
“We apologise to our esteemed passengers for the inconvenience caused
them and wish to assure them that we will continue to prioritise their
safety in all our operations,” she said.