By: Bai Sesay
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernoh Bah, has addressed recent concerns regarding the 5N-BZZ aircraft, one of Air Sierra Leone’s proposed regional aircrafts, clarifying that the plane was not involved in a crash but in an incident known as a “runway excursion.”
During a government press briefing held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the Ministry of Energy, Minister Bah provided a detailed explanation in response to ongoing investigations and public concerns about the aircraft’s safety.
Minister Bah confirmed that the 5N-BZZ flight, while operating for XeJet Airline in Nigeria, was involved in a “runway excursion” incident. He explained that this occurs when an aircraft, while attempting to land or take off, veers off the designated runway. In this case, the aircraft skidded into the mud due to a deflated left tire.
The Minister emphasized that the incident did not result in any fatalities or injuries and that the aircraft sustained no damage. Following the occurrence, the Nigerian Safety Investigation conducted a thorough probe, concluding that it was indeed a runway excursion and not a crash. The investigation also cleared the pilot of any fault, citing the cloudy weather conditions at the time of the incident as a contributing factor.
In addition, the Minister reassured the public that the aircraft had passed all necessary safety checks. The 5N-BZZ aircraft had completed its scheduled maintenance inspections by South African authorities and had also undergone airworthiness inspections by Nigerian authorities. A team from Sierra Leone had traveled to Nigeria for a special inspection of the aircraft, which confirmed its safety and compliance with all regulations.
Minister Bah expressed gratitude to the journalists and citizens who raised concerns about the safety of the aircraft, reiterating the importance of public scrutiny. He encouraged continued vigilance and assured that his Ministry would remain committed to providing prompt clarifications on any critical issues related to aviation safety.
The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority also pledged to continue its oversight of the 5N-BZZ aircraft, assuring the public that the aircraft is fit for operation and safe for future flights.
