The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that the pilot and co-pilot of an Air Peace Boeing 737 tested positive for alcohol and drugs after a serious runway incident at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
The incident occurred on July 13, 2025, when the aircraft, carrying 103 passengers, veered off Runway 21 following what investigators described as an “unstabilised final approach.”
According to the NSIB’s preliminary report, the aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold, far beyond the recommended touchdown zone and eventually came to a stop 209 metres into the clearway.
Despite the severity of the situation, all passengers and crew members disembarked safely, and no casualties were recorded.
The bureau disclosed that toxicological screening conducted on the flight crew at Rivers State Hospital, Port Harcourt, revealed traces of alcohol and drugs.A statement released by the NSIB read in part:
“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.
“The NSIB has issued immediate safety recommendations for Air Peace Limited to strengthen crew resource management training, particularly in handling unstabilised approaches and go-around decisions, and to reinforce internal procedures for crew fitness-for-duty monitoring before flight dispatch.
“Toxicological test was conducted on the flight crew at Rivers State Hospital Management, Department of Medical Laboratory, Port Harcourt, on 13th July 2025, and they tested positive for some substances. Toxicological screening conducted post-incident revealed that Captain and First Officer tested positive for Ethyl Glucuronide, indicating recent alcohol consumption.”
The bureau said its investigation is ongoing and emphasized that the findings are preliminary, with further analysis expected in the coming weeks.
