The Federal Government has commenced investigation into the accident involving an airline operated by Dana Airlines.

The investigation is being carried out by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).

AIB under the Federal Ministry of Transportation is set up to investigate any civil aircraft accident and serious incident in Nigerian airspace. It is aimed at improving aviation safety by determining the circumstances and causes of air accidents in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has also heightened safety oversight over the operator after the accident.

The investigation by AIB is in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13. ‎

Spokesperson of the Ministry of State, Aviation James Odaudu, said this in a statement made available to Channels Television on Wednesday. He said efforts are in place to continuously enhance safety and security in the aviation sector.

“Efforts are in place to continuously enhance Safety and Security in our industry in accordance with the reformation agenda of the Buhari Administration for the aviation sector,” the statement read in part.

The Ministry aviation in the statement also sympathised with the passengers on the aircraft over the traumatic experience and assures that the Federal Government will not falter in its commitment to the safety and security of lives and property in the Nigerian airspace.

The plane belonging to Dana Air on Tuesday, February 20 was involved in an accident. This was after it overshot the runway in Port Harcourt Airport while flying from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the nation’s capital Abuja.

The aircraft had the following details: 5N-SRI, flight number: 0348, Type: MD 83. 54 passengers were on board including five crew members. Everyone on board were evacuated safely and no reported casualties. The weather condition was rainy.

The airport was thereafter closed briefly for safety reasons. It was reopened after proper assessment on Wednesday morning. (Channels TV)

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