Aviation

AIB Releases Preliminary Report On Associated Aircraft Crash

Published

13 years ago

October 18, 2013

The Accident Investiga
tion Bureau (AIB) last Friday in Abuja, released a preliminary report on the Embraer 120 aircraft that crashed on October 3.
The Commissioner of the AIB, Mr Muhtar Usman, who briefed newsmen, said that the report was based on the findings from the “Black Box,’’ recovered from the scene of the crash.
our correspondent reports that the aircraft, with registration number 5N-BJY operated by Associated Airlines, crashed at the Domestic Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos shortly after take-off.
The aircraft, which was on a private charter flight from Lagos to Akure, Ondo State, was carrying 20 persons, including the crew as well as the remains of the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Agagu.
Usman said that the AIB had been able to determine from its preliminary assessment of the Flight 361 recorders, the likely causes of the crash.
According to him, the likely causes include, mechanical and electronic engine control issues related to the right engine and right engine propeller system as well as the take-off configuration issues with respect to flap settings.
He listed other likely causes as “aural warnings related to auto-feather and the flap settings, required for take-off and when and how the number two engine fire handle was pulled”.
The commissioner listed other likely causes to include crew decision making and training with respect to proceeding with the flight, in spite of concerns regarding the aircraft’s suitability for the flight.
“The investigation is also focusing on the standard operating procedure with respect to continuing the take-off roll, in spite of continuous automated voice warnings of both take-off flaps and auto feather when there was ample time to abort the take-off.
Mr. Usman also said that the bureau was in the process of developing a comprehensive computer reconstruction of the aircraft to assist its investigation team to understand the sequence of events that led to the crash.
According to him, this will enable the bureau to come up with a comprehensive report of what led to the crash.
Noting that the bureau had not been able to come up with any safety recommendations yet.
Usman noted that the AIB would not wait until the final report to make recommendations, if any issue that needed immediate attention arose.
He said that the AIB planned to release the transcript of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which contained the internal conversation of the two pilots, radio calls and the overall aural environment in the cockpit area microphone.
According to him, the CVR is of good quality and the bureau is in the process of generating a complete transcript of all relevant information.
“However, the actual recording is under international protocol, sensitive and therefore, privileged information and will not be released at any time’’ he said.
The AIB is a parastatal agency in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and was established in 1989. It is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents within Nigeria.
Its fundamental objective is to improve aviation safety by determining the circumstances and causes of air accidents and serious incidents.
The AIB is also saddled with the responsibility of making safety recommendations intended to prevent recurrence of similar accidents in future.

Aviation

Togo Govt Scraps It’s Visa Requirements For All African Countries

Published

3 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

The Togolese government has scrapped visa requirements for nationals of all African countries, effective May 18, 2026, meaning Nigerians with valid passports can now enter the country without applying for visa in advance.

African travellers can now stay in Togo visa-free for up to 30 days counting from May 18, 2026.

Visitors must still complete an online pre-arrival registration before entering the country.

The announcement came via the official X handle of Togo’s Ministry of Security, signed by the ministry’s head, Colonel Calixte Batossie Madjoulba.

Under the new policy, eligible African travellers can stay in Togo for up to 30 days without a visa, with the government describing the move as a commitment to Pan-African ideals and regional integration.

Government based the decision within a wider Pan-African agenda, stating that it reaffirms Togo’s attachment to “Pan-African ideals, continental solidarity, and community and African commitments, relating to mobility and regional integration.”

Togo also positioned the move as part of an agenda of “openness, modernisation, and attractiveness” aimed at making the country “a regional hub for services, business, culture, and human exchanges at the heart of Africa.”

There is, however, one step travellers cannot skip. Before arrival, visitors must register on the Togolese government’s official travel portal at voyage.gouv.tg at least 24 hours before reaching the border.

Nigerians can now travel to Togo without applying for a visa in advance.

The registration generates a travel slip that must be presented at entry points across land, air, and sea. The government has been clear that this pre-arrival formality remains mandatory regardless of the visa exemption.

Beyond the registration requirement, standard entry conditions still apply. Security checks, immigration screening, and public health requirements remain in place, and the waiver does not protect travellers who overstay or enter irregularly.

All border agencies have been directed to implement the new policy immediately.

Togo’s decision is part of a broader continental shift. Across Africa, more governments are moving to ease intra-African travel in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area’s vision of freer movement of people and goods.

Togo is now among the more accessible West African destinations for Nigerian travellers, a short trip that previously required advance visa processing and now requires nothing more than a passport and a quick online registration the day before you fly.

Aviation

Egypt Flight Moves To Prevent Explosion —- Diverts London Flight To Rome

Published

3 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

An EasyJet flight from Egypt to London was diverted to Rome after a passenger was found with a power bank in checked luggage.

The airline said the diversion was made as a safety precaution due to regulations surrounding lithium-ion batteries.

Passengers landed safely in Rome and were provided accommodation and refreshments after the delay.

The aircraft, operating flight EZY2618 from Hurghada to London Luton, made an unscheduled landing at Rome Fiumicino Airport last Tuesday evening as a precautionary safety measure.

According to the airline, the decision to divert was taken after a passenger informed cabin crew that the portable charger was inside luggage stored in the aircraft’s hold.

Although no fire or malfunction was reported, lithium-ion batteries found in power banks are considered a significant safety risk on aircraft due to the possibility of overheating or catching fire.

Flight tracking data showed the plane cruising at approximately 36,000 feet over the Adriatic Sea before suddenly changing course and heading towards Rome, where it landed safely about 20 minutes later.

Passengers reportedly disembarked without incident, while the flight was rescheduled for the following day.

In a statement, EasyJet apologised for the disruption and said the diversion was carried out in accordance with aviation safety regulations.

“The safety of passengers and crew is our highest priority,” the airline said, adding that hotel accommodation, meals, and refreshments were provided for affected travellers.

“EasyJet’s policies state that power banks are only permitted in cabin baggage and must not be stored in checked luggage.

The airline also prohibits passengers from using power banks to charge devices during flights.

The incident comes as airlines around the world continue tightening restrictions on portable chargers and lithium battery devices amid growing concerns over onboard fire hazards linked to overheating batteries.

Aviation

Delta At 20: Delta Airline Expands Travel Access Ahead 2026 World Cup

Published

3 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Delta Air Lines has announced a range of travel solutions aimed at easing the journey for Ghanaian football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States and North America.

The announcement was made during an event in Accra marking the airline’s 20th anniversary in Ghana, as company officials highlighted plans to work closely with local travel agencies to ensure that fans can access tickets and travel packages well in advance for the global tournament.

According to Delta’s Managing Director for International and Specialty Sales, Rob LeBel, the airline is introducing flexible options tailored to different travel needs.

These include individual ticket purchases, discounted group packages for parties of ten or more, and charter services for larger groups.

He explained that the collaboration with travel agencies would also focus on educating customers about the best ways to secure flights during the expected surge in demand.

To expand travel routes, Delta is leveraging its partnership with European carrier KLM, offering passengers alternative connections through Europe when direct routes are fully booked.

The airline believes the upcoming tournament presents a major opportunity to strengthen travel ties between Ghana and North America, particularly as interest among football fans continues to grow.