Dana commends Pilot-in-command for averting danger after runway overshoot

The management of Dana Airline has commended the Pilot-in-command for steadying aircraft after it overshot the Port Harcourt runway, which was blamed on bad weather.

Dana aircraft with registration number 5N-SRI performing a flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt has overshot the runway and ended up in the bush.

According to scanty information gathered, passengers on board the Dana aircraft are presently being evacuated from a nearby bush in Omagwa neighbourhood where the Port Harcourt International airport is located in Rivers state.

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Emergency officials state that no one was injured as at the time of filing this report.

Confirming the incident, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) through its general manager, Corporate Communications, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu declared: “Dana aircraft numbered 9J0363, flying from Abuja to Port Harcourt airport has overshot the Port Harcourt runway.

According to her, the incident was suspected to have been caused by a heavy rain, which was accompanied by strong wind and storm in Port Harcourt.

The FAAN statement however said no casualty was recorded, as all passengers on board were safely evacuated.

Also in a swift reaction, Dana Air through its image maker, Kingsley Ezenwa while confirming the incident stated: “On Tuesday , 20 February 2018, one our aircraft (9j0363) operating the ​Abuja​ – Ph flight ​skidded off​ the runway ​at​ the Port Harcourt International Airport, as a result of the ​bad weather situation ​and torrential rain at the time of landing.

“No casualty was recorded and all passengers and crew disembarked safely.

“We commend the Pilot-in-command who was able to control the aircraft to a complete stop, before passengers and crew disembarked.

“We also wish to applaud the Captain for exhibiting the highest safety standards and handling the situation professionally.