… no Record Of Observed Tampering, Security Infringements—Quits Aviation

Quits Aviation on Monday, explained the circumstances that led to the aborted flight of Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, saying the aircraft was under 24-hour security surveillance and there was no record of observed tampering or security infringements.

It however said the company noticed that the aircraft was parked by the owner ‘without engine cover protection’.

In a statement by the management of Quits Aviation, the company explained that it is only responsible for the parking of the aircraft whilst the Owner/Operator is responsible for the technical Parking Procedures in accordance with the respective Aircraft Maintenance Manuals.

It pledged cooperation with agencies investigating the incident.

“Quits Aviation is a reputable Aviation entity boasting 12 years experience with Aircraft Management, Aircraft Maintenance, Operations and Handling services. Under an Aircraft Parking agreement with the owner/operator of aircraft (Bombardier Challenger 605, registration marks 5N-ATA), Quits Aviation is responsible to provide suitable and secured parking space at its premises, whilst the Owner/Operator is responsible for the technical Parking Procedures in accordance with the respective Aircraft Maintenance Manuals.

“The aircraft was parked at Quits Aviation premises prior to the date of the incident on 04.09.2023. During parking, the aircraft was under 24-hour security surveillance and there is no record of observed tampering, or security infringements.

“According to CCTV footage observed, the following can be confirmed:

(1) On the day of the flight (04.09.2023) at approximately 08:45, the aircraft was towed from its parked position and repositioned close to the Legend Business Hangar to begin with flight preparation procedures. It is confirmed that the aircraft had been parked with no engine cover protection. Except for the towing movement, there was no other interference to its airframe or engines.

At approximately 13:18 of the same day, the aircraft doors were opened for flight preparation activities until the aircraft departed for its intended flight at approximately 15:20. The aircraft later returned to the ramp, eventually to then leave the Quits Aviation premises at approximately 17:12.

“Quits Aviation regrets the incident and confirms its full cooperation with relevant stakeholders and authorities performing investigating the incident.

“In promotion of safety, Quits Aviation recommends to its tenants to park aircraft in strict compliance with the Aircraft Maintenance Manual Procedures, requiring that open orifices and engines are always covered to prevent Foreign Object Damage or infestation.”, the statement reads.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has however, commenced investigations into the incident.

The Aviation Minister, Mr Festus Keyamo, in a statement, expressed concern on the reports of the aborted take-off of the Bombardier Global Express 605 jet operated by Pacific Energy Company Limited at the Lagos airport on September 4th, 2023.

According to the minister, once alerted, he contacted the Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu who briefed him accordingly.

“A mandatory report on the incident was submitted on 6th September 2023 in accordance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARS).

“The operator submitted the report through the new web-based National Aviation Safety Reporting System, SMS Pro, deployed by NCAA in collaboration with Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in compliance with the provisions of ICAO mandated State Safety Programme and the Civil Aviation Act 2022. And full-blown investigation of the incident has since commenced.

While expressing relief that the incident ended without any harm, the Minister assured that the outcome of NCAA’s investigation and recommendations will be implemented in line with Nig. CARS and global best practices.

“NCAA assures the traveling public that it will double its efforts in collaboration with NSIB to maintain and improve upon the high safety aviation standards set in the country over the past decade.”