Tragedy was on Tuesday averted when Dana Air plane overshot the runway into the bush of the Port Harcourt Airport with forty-nine passengers escaping death.
Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) who confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Lagos, said: “A Dana aircraft flight 9J0363, flying from Abuja to Port Harcourt airport, overshot the Port Harcourt runway.
“The incident was suspected to have been caused by a heavy rain, which was accompanied by strong wind and storm in Port Harcourt.
“No casualty was recorded, as all passengers on board were safely evacuated.”
Mr Sam Adurogboye, General Manager, Public Relations, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), also confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria.
He said the aircraft was partially damaged after it overshot the runway.
“I learnt the runway has been closed but it will be reopened before the next 30 minutes after inspection has been carried out on it.
“Forty-nine passengers were on board and safely evacuated. The aircraft came in from Abuja to Port Harcourt, “he said.
NAN
