NCAA Clears Air Peace Co-Pilot of Wrongdoing in Port Harcourt Runway Incident

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed that there is no evidence against Air Peace co-pilot, David Bernard, in connection with the July 13, 2025 runway excursion at the Port Harcourt International Airport.

According to NCAA, both its internal investigation and the preliminary report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) did not indict the first officer. The incident occurred when an Air Peace aircraft veered off the runway after landing, stopping 209 metres into the clearway. The NSIB disclosed that the aircraft had touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold, well beyond the recommended touchdown zone.

The Bureau’s initial toxicology tests showed traces of alcohol in the flight crew and THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, in a cabin crew member. However, the affected staff strongly denied the results.

Speaking during an X Space session, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stressed that the co-pilot had in fact advised the captain to initiate a go-around, advice which was ignored.

“I learnt yesterday that the NCAA was being blamed for giving clearance to the first officer. But based on the NCAA internal findings and the NSIB preliminary report, the co-pilot was not found culpable. It would be unfair to keep someone grounded for a year without evidence of wrongdoing,” Achimugu said.

He further revealed that he had contacted the NSIB team and was awaiting comprehensive feedback to conclude the matter.