Fresh controversy has trailed the findings of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) over the July 13, 2025 runway incident involving an Air Peace aircraft at the Port Harcourt International Airport, as two indicted crew members have openly rejected the bureau’s claims. The co-pilot, David Bernard, and a cabin crew member, Maduneme Victory, have both described the report as false and damaging, insisting they neither consumed alcohol nor smoked marijuana before the flight.
The NSIB, in its interim report, alleged that post-incident toxicology tests conducted on the crew revealed traces of alcohol and cannabis in the systems of Bernard and Victory. According to the agency, the presence of these substances was a major safety violation and raised concerns about operational discipline within the airline.
However, the accused crew members have strongly disputed the findings, labeling them as “lies” and questioning the integrity of the investigation. Bernard maintained that he had never taken alcohol in the course of his aviation career, while Victory said she had no history of marijuana use, stressing that their professional records and conduct should speak for them. Both also claimed the NSIB report unfairly tarnished their reputations.
The controversy stems from the July 13 incident in which the Air Peace Boeing 737-500 veered off the runway after landing at Port Harcourt. Investigators revealed that the aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold, significantly beyond the recommended touchdown zone. The jet eventually came to a halt 209 metres into the clearway, prompting concerns about flight safety and crew performance.
In its findings, NSIB suggested that pilot error, coupled with possible impairment from alcohol and drugs, contributed to the runway incursion. This conclusion has now been rejected outright by the accused crew, who have hinted at possible legal steps to clear their names.
The dispute has sparked public debate over aviation safety oversight and the credibility of toxicology testing in accident investigations. While some industry experts have urged caution until final reports are released, others argue that the bureau must ensure fairness and transparency in handling sensitive cases that affect careers and public trust.
As the standoff between the NSIB and the indicted crew deepens, the aviation community awaits further clarification on the matter. Air Peace, meanwhile, has not issued a detailed response, but insiders suggest the airline is monitoring developments closely as the controversy continues to unfold.
