Air Peace Co-Pilot Exonerated: NCAA Reveals Sh*cking Details Behind Investigation

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has explained why it cleared the Air Peace co-pilot who was implicated alongside colleagues in allegations involving alcohol and drug use.

The incident in question occurred on Sunday, June 13, when an Air Peace aircraft experienced a runway excursion after landing at Port Harcourt International Airport, though no damage was reported.

During a discussion on X Space on Saturday, Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, stated that the regulatory body acted in accordance with due process, based on both internal investigations and available facts.

He noted that neither the NCAA’s internal probe nor the preliminary report from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) found the co-pilot culpable, which led to his clearance and return to duty.

Achimugu highlighted that aviation rules are continually tested by real-life incidents, explaining why they are regularly reviewed and updated.

According to the NSIB, the aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold—well beyond the recommended zone—before coming to a halt 209 metres into the clearway.

“I learned that the NCAA has been criticised for clearing the first officer. However, both our internal findings and the NSIB report show that the co-pilot was not at fault. He even advised the captain to go around, advice which was ignored. It would therefore be unfair to ground him for a year without evidence of wrongdoing,” Achimugu said.

He further emphasized that airlines are permitted to implement internal policies and are required to submit compliance reports to the NCAA. “Regulations may look strong on paper, but their effectiveness is only truly tested in real-world situations, which is why continuous review is necessary,” he added.

Achimugu also stated that the matter remains under review by NCAA Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo, who is conducting further investigations, and reaffirmed that all post-incident assessments follow internationally recognized procedures, including testing at NCAA-approved centers.