Lagos, Expert in the Aviation Industry has disclosed that Pilot error accounts for over 80 Percent of all Aviation Accident. According to the President Aviation Safety Roud Table Initiative, Mr. Gbenga Olowo Statistics shows that About 1,312 lives had been lost in 10 accidents over 48 years in the country and that pilot errors accounted for 80 per cent of the incidents, while maintenance and weather accounted for the remainder.
He further stated In recent times, the country has not recorded any accident in commercial aviation since 2016. An evident that the situation has improved in the last on year due to the implementation of Safety Managment System and more funds which has been set aside for maintenance in a dedicated account.
He explained, “In the past five years, the International Air Transport Association, through its Operational Safety Audit, has made its members to be principally responsible for the safety and not necessarily the regulators.
“Member airlines strive for safety and also go the extra mile for audit by other jurisdictions outside their own registration; for example, the European Aviation Safety Agency certification in addition to that of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
“Operators are also successfully moving to newer and younger fleets with lower operational and maintenance costs, and making available funds at low costs through financial institutions.”
Olowo added that there had also been more economic lease and lesser purchase conditions from aircraft suppliers, as well as continuous advocacy for improved aviation infrastructure, acceleration of the International Civil Aviation Organisation safety related standards and recommended practices.
The Country Manager, British Airways, Mr. Kola Olayinka, who congratulated Nigeria for an accident-free 2016, said airlines should maintain the record by applying the rules and investing more in staff training.
Also, Head, Public Relations, Accident Investigation Bureau, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, said the NCAA had been an effective regulator that reports from the AIB have also reduced accidents and influenced safety decision implementation on the part of airlines, regulators
He said “Airlines have a tendency to cut corners but it is the responsibility of the NCAA to ensure that proper checks are carried out on the airlines, especially on aircraft maintenance and pilot certification.
