Air Peace Aircraft Runway Overrun: Crew Tested Positive to Alcohol, Cannabis – NSIB Investigation

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released the preliminary report on its ongoing investigation into the serious incident involving a Boeing 737-524 aircraft belonging to Air Peace.

The preliminary report shows the crew tested positive to alcohol and cannabis, a statement signed by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, said.

Related posts

18 Terrorists Neutralised as OPHK Hits High-Profile Meeting Point in Borno By ZAKAA LAZARUS The Air Component of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has destroyed a terrorist enclave and neutralised over 18 fighters in Tumbunma Baba, Tumbuns area of Borno State. This was disclosed in a statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) OPHK, on 11 September, 2026. According to the statement, the operation involved a force package of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and attack platforms working in close coordination with ground troops of Sector 1 OPHK. The operation was based on credible intelligence gathered over the past weeks indicating the presence of high-profile terrorist elements using the islands as convergence points for meetings and logistics. The intelligence was validated through surveillance by Theatre Command and confirmatory ISR from Wednesday, 9 September 2026, which identified several terrorist structures and logistics hubs in the location. The kinetic operation was executed in the early hours of Friday, 11 September 2026. Following positive identification, air platforms engaged the designated targets with precision munitions while ground troops occupied likely escape routes for direct fire engagements. The statement said the air strikes successfully destroyed targeted structures and neutralised over 18 terrorist elements. A post-strike assessment indicated an estimated 85 per cent success in achieving the intended operational objectives. The Army noted that the operation dealt “a significant blow to terrorist activities in the area, disrupting their logistics and degrading their ability to use the enclave as a gathering and support base.” It added that the outcome underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, timely ISR confirmation, and coordinated air-ground synergy. OPHK assured that it will continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations “to deny terrorist elements the freedom to operate, regroup or establish logistics and support infrastructure across the Theatre,” working in concert with all security agencies and stakeholders. Members of the public were also encouraged to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to security forces to support ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist activities across the North East Theatre.

September 12, 2026

Scores of Terrorist, Family Surrender to Troops in Borno, as Military Sustains Operations Nationwide

September 12, 2026

Recall the aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-BQQ, operated by Air Peace Limited on 13 July 2025 at Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Omagwa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State overran the runway.

The aircraft, operating as a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt with 103 persons on board, landed long on Runway 21 after an unstabilised final approach.

NSIB said *the aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold and came to a final stop 209 metres into the clearway” far removed from the runway.

All passengers and crew had disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported.

“Initial toxicological tests conducted on the flight crew revealed positive results for certain substances, including indicators of alcohol consumption” the report revealed.

“A cabin crew member also tested positive for THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis. These results are being reviewed under the human performance and safety management components of the investigation” the report further stated.

The NSIB has issued immediate safety recommendations for Air Peace Limited to strengthen crew resource management (CRM) training, particularly in handling unstabilised approaches and go-around decisions, and to reinforce internal procedures for crew fitness-for-duty monitoring before flight dispatch.

The NSIB said the final report will present detailed conclusions and additional recommendations to enhance aviation safety in Nigeria.