Twenty-four hours after both the Lagos State and Federal Governments unveiled cenotaph in honour of the victims of Dana crash which occurred at the Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos on June 3, 2012 with 153 passengers on board, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) says it has identified five safety issues in the accident.
AIB said the safety issues were revealed in the course of its investigation into the crash.
A statement posted on its website yesterday listed the safety issues to include engine and related system performance, flight crew performance, validation of foreign pilot certificates, preemployment background checks of pilots and maintenance documentation.
According to AIB, four of the interim safety recommendations had been issued and implemented by the operator and the regulatory agency.
The agency, however, said that outstanding investigative activities on the accident were near completion and that it would be followed by the production of the final report.
AIB emphasised that the report was in compliance with applicable International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards to include factual information, analysis, findings and recommendations.
It added that in accordance with ICAO Annex 13, the sole purpose of the investigation was to prevent aviation accidents and incidents, emphasising that it is not the purpose of any such investigation and the associated report to apportion blame or liability.
AIB said it appreciates the cooperation, support and contributions provided by the involved organisations, investigation participants and stakeholders.
AIB spokesman, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, added that the investigation of Dana Air 992 had proceeded on schedule and as planned with the objective of preventing recurrence in accordance with the accident investigation protocols of ICAO.
The statement stated that despite the heavy destruction of the aircraft due to impact and fire, in addition to other post crash disturbance of the wreckage, which resulted in the absence of substantial physical evidence and Flight Recorder Data (FDR) that would have provided information on the operation, performance and mechanical integrity of the airplane, the investigation has progressed significantly.
The statement reads: "Extensive investigative activities have and continue to be conducted both domestically and in the United States.
The activities have included interviews of relevant personnel of the aircraft operator, the regulatory agency, service providers in addition to other personnel familiar with the operational and regulatory oversight aspects pertinent with the accident flight."
The interviews and review of records, the interim said, have also provided significant background information about the flight crew experience.
Additionally, the AIB interim statement, also informed that the examination of aircraft and engine components, reconstruction of the accident flight using recorded air traffic radar and Cockpit Voice Recorder, CVR, information, forensic, computer animation, sound spectrum analysis, chemical analysis of fluid and other substances along with investigative research have appreciably advanced the progress of the investigation.
National Mirror