By Ime Akpan
Lagos
The Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB has released the final reports of the accidents involving Dana Air, Bristow, OAS and the Presidential Implementation Committee on Maritime Safety and Security (PICOMSS) aircraft between 2011 and 2013.
The reports were revealed by the Commissioner of the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, Mr. Akin Olateru yesterday in Lagos.
Unearthing the possible issues on the accidents involving Dana Air, Boeing MD-83 Aircraft with registration 5N-RAM on June 3, 2012 in Iju-Ishaga, Lagos State, Olateru stated that the possible causal factors are the fact that “Engine number 1 lost power seventeen minutes into the flight, and thereafter on final approach, Engine number 2 lost power and failed to respond to throttle movement on demand for increased power to sustain the aircraft in its flight configuration”.
Dana Air Flight 992 accident was a scheduled domestic commercial passenger flight from Abuja to Lagos, on that faithful day.
The Accident Investigation Bureau said two engines on the Dana Air flight from Abuja, failed mid-air before it crashed on approach to Lagos airport.
“Engine number one lost power 17 minutes into the flight, and thereafter on final approach, engine number two lost power and failed to respond to throttle movement on demand for increased power to sustain the aircraft in its flight configuration.
“The inappropriate omission of the use of the checklist and the crew’s inability to appreciate the severity of the power-related problem, and their subsequent failure to land at the nearest suitable airfield” also contributed to the crash.
“Lack of situation awareness, inappropriate decision-making and poor airmanship were also to blame for the crash on June 3, 2012”, the report added.
The Boeing MD-83 aircraft was carrying 153 passengers and crew when it crashed into a densely-populated area in the north of Lagos and burst into flames. Six people were killed on the ground.
The long-running investigation involved officials from the airline, engine manufacturers Pratt & Whitney and international aviation experts.
“Everybody is satisfied with the final report and those found wanting have made necessary adjustments,” AIB commissioner, Akin Olateru said.
Nigerian aviation authorities suspended Dana’s operating licence on June 5, 2012, two days after the crash.
