Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has revealed that the pilot and co-pilot of an Air Peace aircraft involved in a runway excursion at Port Harcourt International Airport tested positive for alcohol.
Gatekeepers News reports that in its preliminary report released on Thursday and signed by Bimbo Oladeji, director of public affairs and family assistance, the bureau also disclosed that a cabin crew member tested positive for THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
The incident occurred on July 13 when the aircraft, a Lagos–Port Harcourt service with registration 5N-BQQ, veered off Runway 21 after landing long.
According to the report, the plane, carrying 103 people, touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold and stopped 209 metres into the clearway. All passengers and crew disembarked safely without injuries. The NSIB described the landing as an unstabilised final approach.
The reports stated, “Toxicological test was conducted on the Flight crew at Rivers State Hospital Management Board, Department of Medical Laboratory Port Harcourt on 13 July 2025 and they tested positive for some substances, including indicators of alcohol consumption.”
“A cabin crew member also tested positive for THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis.”
The bureau confirmed that both the captain and first officer tested positive for Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG), showing recent alcohol consumption, while the captain also tested positive for cotinine, an indicator of nicotine use.
As part of its immediate safety measures, NSIB recommended that Air Peace enhance crew resource management (CRM) training, particularly for unstabilised approaches and go-around decisions, and tighten internal monitoring of crew fitness before dispatch.
The agency said the full scope of activities will be determined as the investigation continues.
