The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority have issued a strong warning to airlines and flight crews against overwriting critical flight recorder data following incidents or accidents.
Speaking at an aviation stakeholder workshop in Lagos, both agencies stressed that tampering with pit Voice Recorders and Flight Data Recorders, commonly known as black boxes, could significantly hinder accident investigations and compromise aviation safety.
The Director General of NSIB, Alex Badeh Jr, emphasized that these devices are essential for understanding the root causes of aviation incidents. According to him, any premature overwriting of such data prevents investigators from drawing accurate conclusions and implementing measures to prevent future occurrences.
He reiterated that aviation regulations require flight recorders to be deactivated immediately after an incident or accident to preserve evidence. Failure to comply, he noted, weakens the industry’s ability to improve safety standards and protect lives.
In addition to concerns about data preservation, the NSIB also raised alarm over substance use among aviation personnel. Badeh warned that impairment from alcohol or other substances can severely affect judgment, reaction time, and overall flight safety, calling for zero tolerance across the industry.
On its part, the NCAA confirmed that it has already launched an enforcement investigation into a recent case where a pit Voice Recorder was reportedly overwritten. The Director General of NCAA, Chris Najomo, represented by Dr Ifeanyi Iteke, stated that strict compliance with aviation regulations is mandatory.
He explained that Nigerian aviation rules clearly prohibit switching off flight recorders during operations and mandate their proper handling after any incident. Any violation, he added, would attract sanctions to serve as a deterrent to others.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening aviation safety through strict enforcement, stakeholder collaboration, and adherence to global best practices.
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