Aviation analysts are calling for stiffer sanctions against ValueJet Flight VK 201 pilot for breach of pre-departure protocol.
Video footage emerged last Tuesday online from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, wherein the domestic airliner appeared to accelerate off from the gate in what analysts say was in breach of pre-departure protocol.
The incident followed an alleged altercation between Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, 68, a.k.a KWAM 1, with ValueJet Flight VK 201 staff.
Reacting to the incident, Engr. Trust Chibi said the pilot’s “licence must be revoked immediately.”
While others are describing the pilot as “an agbero,” a BRT (Bus Rapid Transport) driver, Nma Abubakar, said, “This joke shouldn’t be aviation joke at all. A pilot isn’t supposed to be linked with jokes at all. They are supposed to have the most ethical mindset.”
Mr. Olumide Ohunayo, an aviation expert, in referring to the incident as a breach of predeparture protocol, described the action of the airliner’s Captain as reckless.
Mr. Olumide, who said KWAM 1 should be punished, added that he ought to have been taken away by airport security at the point he was deboarded.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has placed KWAM 1 on a no-fly list pending the conclusion of an investigation.
Mr. Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who confirmed directing NCAA to place the musician on a no-fly list, described the altercation as “a temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides.” He said the incident could have resulted in fatalities.
The Minister, who said both parties violated global aviation safety rules, noted that the incident is a breach of “standard safety protocol as required by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).”
KWAM 1 denied culpability in a statement issued on August 6. His spokesperson, Mr. Kunle Rasheed described the allegations as exaggerated and misleading.
“At no point did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations,” Mr. Rasheed said, explaining that the substance in question was nothing more than plain drinking water given to the musician at the airport lounge.
According to Mr. Rasheed, “claims that K1 blocked the aircraft or attempted to disrupt operations are entirely unfounded.”
NCAA has suspended the licences of the captain and pilot on the ValueJet airliner.
FAAN had in a statement by its spokesperson, Obiageli Orah, on Tuesday this week, accused KWAM 1 of breaching aviation regulations while boarding ValueJet Flight VK 201 to Lagos.
According to the statement, KWAM 1 brought alcoholic beverage onto the flight, raising concern from a flight attendant who reminded him that alcohol consumption is prohibited on domestic flights.
The statement alleged that KWAM 1 refused to surrender the flask, insisting it contained prescribed medication.
