The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially cleared Air Peace co-pilot, David Bernard, of any wrongdoing in the recent runway excursion incident involving an Air Peace aircraft at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
The incident occurred on July 13, 2025, when the aircraft veered off the runway during landing. According to a preliminary report released by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the jet touched down 2,264 meters from the runway threshold, far beyond the standard touchdown zone, before eventually halting 209 meters into the clearway.
Further investigations revealed that initial toxicology tests carried out on members of the flight crew showed positive results for certain substances, including traces of alcohol. One cabin crew member reportedly tested positive for THC, the active component in cannabis.
Despite these findings, both the airline and its staff strongly denied the test results. During an X Space session, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, clarified the Authority’s stance.
“Based on both NCAA’s internal findings and the NSIB’s preliminary report, the co-pilot was not found culpable. In fact, he advised the captain to go around, but the captain did not heed his advice,” Achimugu said.
He added that it would be unjust to keep the co-pilot grounded for an extended period when no evidence points to his involvement in the incident. Achimugu also confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the NSIB for a more comprehensive update.
This development shifts responsibility away from the co-pilot, highlighting the importance of adherence to cockpit teamwork and command decisions in aviation safety.
