Fresh facts emerged on Thursday that the luggage of the 44 passengers that boarded the DANA Air MD 83 aircraft flight Flight 9J0363 from Abuja to Port Harcourt on Tuesday has been retrieved.
The retrieve of the luggage a source close to the airline hinted came on the heels of complaints by some of the passengers who boarded the aircraft which overshot the runway of Port Harcourt Airport due to heavy rain.
The source hinted that the Accident Investigation Bureau ( AIB), the agency saddled with the probe of air accidents and serious incidents is yet to release the aircraft to the airline.
The source said the delay in releasing the aircraft may be unconnected with detailed probe into the serious incident.
A team of investigators from the AIB , led by its director of operations, Captain Dayyabu Danraka is in Port Harcourt to unravel the remote and immediate cause of the incident and make recommendations to forestall future occurrence.
Investigations revealed that DANA Air is reaching out to some of the 44 passengers for possible post trauma treatment.
The offer for post trauma treatment , including possible payment of medical bills for those that may have sustained injuries is to reduce the pain of the affected passengers.
A source close to the airline said some of the passengers were impressed with the professionalism of the pilot in controlling the aircraft into the bush
Meanwhile, Council Protection Council (CPC) has called for calm among passengers and other stakeholders
According to a statement by signed by CPC, Director General, Babatunde Irukera, the relevant aviation authorities have secured perimeter scene of the incident with ongoing probe on the damaged aircraft.
Irukera said the Council is in communication with DANA Air and the NCAA as it awaits detailed investigations by the AIB in compliance with the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO)
He said : “Thankfully, all passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injury. The Consumer Protection Council congratulates relevant airport and aviation authorities, as well as the airline for this safe evacuation and management of what could otherwise have been trag ic.
“The Council further calls for calm as we await more information and a detailedinvestigation by the Accident Investigation Bureau in compliance with ICAO standards. In addition, the Council has been in communication with the airline and NCAA.
“The Council understands that Dana Air has provided logistic support and accommodation to passengers. The Council insists this must comply with minimum standards in accordance with prevailing Regulations under Part 19, Nigerian Civil Aviation Rules (NCAR).
“An open, transparent, sensitive and responsive approach by the airline and relevantauthorities is vital to sustaining confidence and assuring consumers. The Council welcomes this openness and attention to consumers, including providing medical or psychological support where necessary.
“The Consumer Protection Council in collaboration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, other aviation agencies and service providers remains available to all passengers in the sector to answer questions, provide assistance and required assurances at this and other times.”
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