The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has indicted an Air Peace pilot and co-pilot for operating under the influence of alcohol and hard drugs.
In a preliminary report issued Friday, NSIB disclosed that toxicology tests confirmed the presence of intoxicants in both the captain and first officer who flew the Boeing 737 carrying 103 passengers.
A cabin crew member also tested positive for cannabis.
The domestic flight from Lagos landed long on Runway 21 at Port Harcourt International Airport after what investigators described as an unstabilised final approach.
The aircraft touched down 2,264 metres beyond the runway threshold and stopped over 200 metres into the overrun area.
“All passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported,” the bureau confirmed.
The NSIB further stated, “Initial toxicological tests conducted on the flight crew revealed positive results for certain substances, including indicators of alcohol consumption. A cabin crew member also tested positive for THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis. These results are being reviewed under the human performance and safety management components of the investigation.”
It added: “Toxicological screening conducted post-incident revealed that Captain and first officer tested positive for Ethyl Glucuronide, indicating recent alcohol consumption.”
Runway excursions remain one of the most common safety threats in aviation, often linked to poor visibility, mechanical issues, or pilot error.
The bureau stressed that the toxicology results highlighted human performance as a key factor in this case.
Following the findings, NSIB recommended that Air Peace enhance crew resource management training and enforce stricter checks on pilot fitness before flight operations.
Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier, operates flights across Africa and to London, Saudi Arabia, Dakar, Freetown, Monrovia, and Ghana.
The airline has not yet reacted to the bureau’s report.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regards intoxication by flight crew as a grave violation of global aviation safety standards.
Airlines worldwide have faced scandals in recent years after pilots were caught intoxicated, underscoring ongoing risks to passenger safety.
