The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released its preliminary findings on the incident involving a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 aircraft operated by Dana Airlines Limited with Registration Marks 5N-BKI, which occurred on Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on 23 April 2024.

In a statement by the bureau’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji stated that the preliminary investigations by the bureau revealed the flight crew were properly licensed and certified to operate the aircraft, that the aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness at the time of the incident and Prior to landing, the crew selected the landing gear down, and the Main Landing Gear.

Mrs. Olawumi Oladeji noted in her statement that the Indication Lights displayed green, however, the Nose Landing Gear (NLG) Indication Light remain red prompting the crew to followed established procedures by attempting to cycle the landing gear and perform the Emergency Gear Extension checklist. Unfortunately, the Nose Landing Gear remained in an unconfirmed down and locked position.

She added that during the low pass over the airport, Air Traffic Control (ATC) reported that the NLG appeared extended visually Upon landing, noting the Ground Spoilers did not deploy automatically as expected thereby, causing the crew to experience severe vibration and loud noise from the NLG area of the aircraft during the landing roll.

The Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the bureau explained that, while the preliminary report and investigation is on, the bureau remains committed to transport safety in Nigeria and will make public its final report, recommendations at the conclusion of the investigation.

BY: AYO AGBEOLUWAYE