The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has confirmed that members of an Air Peace flight crew tested positive for alcohol and cannabis following a runway excursion involving one of the airline’s aircraft at Port Harcourt International Airport.
The incident, which occurred on July 13, 2025, involved a Boeing 737 carrying 103 passengers from Lagos to Port Harcourt.
The aircraft reportedly landed long on Runway 21 after what investigators described as an “unstabilised final approach,” veering 209 metres into the clearway before coming to a halt. No lives were lost, and all passengers and crew safely disembarked.
According to a preliminary report signed by NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, toxicology tests revealed that the captain and first officer had alcohol in their systems, while a cabin crew member tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
“Initial toxicological tests conducted on the flight crew revealed positive results for certain substances, including indicators of alcohol consumption,” Oladeji said.
“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.”
The report noted that the aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold, far beyond the recommended touchdown zone.
“The aircraft, operating as a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt with 103 persons on board, landed long on Runway 21 after an unstabilised final approach. The aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold and came to a final stop 209 metres into the clearway,” the NSIB stated.
While no damage was recorded, the bureau raised serious concerns about flight crew fitness and safety oversight.
As part of immediate corrective measures, the NSIB issued safety recommendations to Air Peace, urging the airline to strengthen its internal monitoring of crew fitness-for-duty, improve training on handling unstabilised approaches, and enforce stricter go-around decision protocols.
“Toxicological screening conducted post-incident revealed that the captain and first officer tested positive for Ethyl Glucuronide, indicating recent alcohol consumption,” the bureau added.
Investigations are still ongoing, and the NSIB said further findings will be released in subsequent reports.
