A significant aviation incident took place on Monday, September 23, 2024, involving an Air Peace Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft. The plane, carrying notable passengers including human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore, experienced a malfunction as its windshield shattered during landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely, averting a more serious incident.
Details of the Flight
The flight, which departed from Akure in Ondo State at 8:30 am, landed at Abuja at 9:40 am. Although the incident was concerning, passengers were not informed by the flight crew. The windshield crack was discovered shortly before landing, prompting immediate attention after the plane safely touched down.
Passenger Reactions
Omoyele Sowore, among other passengers, was on the flight to attend a court trial in Abuja. Though passengers remained unaware of the exact nature of the issue, the event has sparked reactions across the aviation industry. Concerns were raised due to the rare occurrence of such an incident, especially involving a critical part of the aircraft such as the windshield.
Airline Response
Air Peace Airlines acted swiftly by replacing the damaged windshield. According to an anonymous staff member, a crack had been detected, and the airline immediately flew in a replacement windshield from Lagos, allowing the plane to return to service later that day.
“Our team repaired the crack quickly, and the aircraft has since operated multiple flights,” said the airline staff. The same aircraft reportedly completed three more flights following the repair.
Industry Reactions and Concerns
This incident has caused a stir within the aviation sector, as windshield cracks are highly uncommon and considered a serious risk. Sources within the industry expressed concern over the cover-up of the event, despite reassurances from Air Peace that the situation was handled appropriately.
An attempt to reach top officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) for comments was unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.
Flight Cancellations Following the Incident
As a result of the malfunction, Air Peace had to cancel its scheduled flights from Abuja to Lagos and Akure to Lagos. The airline, however, quickly rectified the issue by deploying another aircraft, allowing subsequent flights to continue.
Official Statements and Clarifications
Air Peace insisted that there was no need for panic, attributing the delay and repairs to standard operational procedures. According to their spokesperson, “Passengers were informed that the delay was due to operational reasons, and the aircraft was safely repaired before continuing its service.”
Despite these assurances, the incident continues to draw attention, particularly given the presence of a high-profile passenger like Sowore on board and the subsequent flight cancellations.
Aviation Safety Practices
The incident has highlighted the importance of transparency and communication in handling in-flight emergencies, even minor ones. It has also sparked conversations around safety protocols and maintenance practices within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Society And The Impact
While the situation was quickly resolved, the cracked windshield during a landing poses questions about safety procedures and the management of emergencies in flight. Air Peace has emphasized that the incident has been rectified, but the industry remains watchful for further updates on the situation.
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Written By Fortune Davidson