The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has revealed that two Air Peace pilots tested positive for alcohol after their aircraft was involved in a runway excursion at the Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025.
According to the NSIB’s preliminary report, toxicological screening conducted after the incident showed that both the captain and first officer tested positive for Ethyl Glucuronide, a biomarker that indicates recent alcohol consumption.
The report also disclosed that a cabin crew member tested positive for THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
“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 said.
The Incident
The aircraft, a Boeing 737, was operating a scheduled domestic flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt with 103 passengers on board.
Investigators found that the crew executed an unstabilised final approach, landing long on Runway 21. The aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold and eventually came to a halt 209 metres into the clearway.
Fortunately, all passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported.
Human Performance a Key Factor
The Bureau noted that the toxicology results strongly suggested human performance was a critical factor in the runway excursion.
Runway excursions are one of the most common safety risks in commercial aviation, often linked to pilot error, poor weather, or technical malfunctions.
Safety Recommendations
Based on its findings, the NSIB recommended that Air Peace:
Strengthen crew resource management (CRM) training.
Enforce stricter pre-flight fitness checks on pilots and crew.
Review internal policies to prevent similar lapses.
The Bureau said its investigation is ongoing and that further findings will be made public.
NSIB Report Reveals Air Peace Crew Used Drugs, Alcohol Before Boeing 737 Incident
