By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Air Peace Limited recorded a ground collision of two of its aircraft, on Thursday, while one of them was trying to maneuver its way out at the apron wing of the local terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MM2) Ikeja, Lagos.
Following the collision, the affected aircraft was declared unserviceable as a precautionary measure, and to allow for proper investigation and repairs by the engineering Department.
While confirming the incident to journalists, Mr. Chris Iwarah, spokesman of Air Peace, said the airline had taken precautionary measure to stop the affected aircraft from flying.
According to Inuwa, “We confirm that at about 6.15am today, the winglet of our B737 aircraft with registration mark 5N-BQR, which was being towed within the very limited space at the ramp of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos to position for departure, had a partial contact with the stabiliser of another of our B737 aircraft with registration mark 5N-BQP.”
“Although the points of contact of the two aircraft were only slightly impacted, we took the cautious decision to declare them unserviceable to enable proper investigation of the incident, checks and repair by our Engineering and Maintenance Department in line with our high safety standards.
“There were no passengers on the two aircraft involved in the incident. We have also revised our flight schedule to cater to our esteemed guests on the 14 sectors the two aircraft were scheduled to service today.
“At the moment, everything is working according to plan and our engineers have already begun repair of the aircraft,” Iwara added.
It would be recalled that about a year ago, two aircraft (Airbus 310) belonging to FirstNation, also brushed each other’s wings at the airport.
Sundiata Post recalls that this incident occurred barely 48 hours after an Aero Contractors aircraft was engulfed in smoke while attempting to land at the Lagos airport.
The frequency of the occurrence has raised serious concerns on the safety of our local airline, while stakeholders have advocated for the expansion on the apron of the Lagos airport to ensure a hitch-free maneuvering of aircrafts devoid of collision.
