•We’re investigating incident–NCAA
From Chinelo Obogo, Lagos, and Sola Ojo, Abuja
There was relief at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on Thursday night as a United States airline, United Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 256 persons on board made an emergency landing.
The aircraft, which operated flight UA613, departed Lagos at 23:59 en route to Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC. However, mid-flight, the aircraft experienced technical difficulties and declared an emergency, squawking the transponder code 7700. The aircraft, carrying 245 passengers and 11 crew members, lost altitude abruptly and amid the confusion, the pilot announced the decision to return to Lagos.
At 03:22 local time, the plane landed safely back in Lagos and a team of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS), Aviation Medical Services, and Aviation Security (AVSEC) from the Federal Airport Authority if Nigeria (FAAN) were already on standby at the gate when the aircraft parked for deboarding at D31.
Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of FAAN, Obiageli Orah, confirmed that four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, while 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries, making it a total of 38 persons. The rescue team responded swiftly, having been on alert just four minutes after the pilot reported distress at 01:20.
“Injured passengers were transported by Aviation Medical ambulances to the MMA Clinic and the Headquarters Clinic. Those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged immediately, while those with serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to a hospital in Ikeja. Some passengers were also taken to a hotel for accommodation. The aircraft itself did not sustain any major damage. FAAN assured that updates would be provided as they become available,”Orah said.
Meanwhile the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said it is investigating the incident. The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection (NCAA), Mr. Michael Achimugu said agency is investigating the cause of the incident and examining the aircraft Flight Data Recorder (FDR) to ascertain exactly what happened.
He said the NCAA would not rely on the feedback from the airline or the passenger but facts from the investigation and promised NCAA would issue a statement after the investigation.
“We are investigating the incident. We have received Flight Data Recorder in order to ascertain exactly what happened. When something happens, you have to investigate it before you issue a statement. We want to know exactly what happened. Meanwhile, we have met with some of the passengers in the hotel and in the hospital to give them support and some degree of care,” he said.