Final reports of Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has revealed that late Danbaba Suntai, former Taraba State governor, who flew the aircraft involving a Cessna 208BCaravan in 2012 was not certified, not qualified and incompetent to fly the aircraft.
The serious accident occured on-board at Kwanan-Waya village, Yola South Local Government Area, Adamawa State on 25th October, 2012.
The report further disclosed that the decision to operate a Visual Flight Rule (VFR) after service and inadequate oversight by the regulatory authority are causal factors associated with the crash.
Further findings show that the pilot did not have instrument ratings and night flight privileges and the pilot reported the number of persons in board as six to the control tower as against four actual persons found after the accident.
On safety recommendations, Akin Olateru, the commissioner and CEO of AIB said the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) should take appropriate action to relocate the existing control tower at Yola Airport in order to enhance the aerial view of the approach part of runway 35 from the tower.
Olateru also suggested that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority should ensure all pertinent regulations with regards to the operations of the aircraft and certification of all relevant personnel and facilities of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Taraba State government are appropriately complied with.
IFEOMA OKEKE
