The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has absolved Air Peace co-pilot, David Bernard, of any blame in the July 13 runway excursion at Port Harcourt International Airport.

The agency explained that both its internal review and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau’s (NSIB) preliminary findings showed no evidence against him. The aircraft had landed far beyond the recommended touchdown zone before skidding into the clearway, with early toxicology tests pointing to traces of alcohol in the crew and cannabis in a cabin attendant. The test results were, however, denied by the airline’s staff.

NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu, speaking during an X Space session, clarified that Bernard had advised the captain to abort the unstable approach, but his counsel was ignored.

He noted that it would be unfair to ground the co-pilot for a year without proof of misconduct and confirmed he is in contact with the NSIB for a more comprehensive update.

The NCAA stressed that its decision was based strictly on verified reports and not assumptions.