The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau released preliminary findings more than a month after the plane crash of Flints Aero Services Limited, the plane carrying the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu from Abuja to Ibadan.
DAILY POST had reported that Flint’s Aero Service plane with Adelabu and nine others crash-landed near Ibadan on November 3.
NSIB reported in a recent statement by the Head of Public Affairs, Mr Tunji Oketunbi, that the aircraft owners, Flints Aero Service, were indicted.
The Bureau disclosed that the airline entrusted with the minister’s flight from Abuja to Ibadan Airport was issued a Permit for Non-Commercial Flight, which strictly prohibited using the aircraft to fly passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward.
But the flight flaunted its permit rule.
According to the report, the aircraft carried ten persons, including two cockpit crew and one cabin crew, with a fuel endurance of three hours.
Accordingly, the report also revealed that the crew lacked sufficient experience in night-time flight operations, and the airline faced allegations of violating its Air Operator Certificate issued by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
It said: “The flight departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for Ibadan Airport, Oyo state, as a charter flight on an Instrument Flight Rules flight plan. On board were ten persons, including two cockpit crew and one cabin crew, with fuel endurance of three hours.
“Post-incident inspection of the aircraft confirmed substantial damage to the fuselage, the landing gear and flaps.
“The passengers disembarked without any injury, while the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder were recovered in good condition, and recordings were intact after the occurrence.
“Flints Aero Services Limited was issued with a Permit for Non-Commercial Flight. The PNCF issued to Flint Aero Services Limited stipulates that the aircraft shall not be used to carriage passenger(s), cargo or mail for hire or reward.”
