Birds Hit Dana Aircraft, Halt Flight

An Abuja-bound aircraft operated by Dana Air was yesterday hit by birds, causing serious damage to the left engine of the MD-83 aircraft.
The aircraft which took off at the domestic runway of the Murtala Muhammad Airport, Ikeja Lagos at about 9.20am was hit by birds shortly after take-off.  Journalists at the nearby Press Centre observed a sudden change in the sound of the aircraft which drew attention of other people at the lounge to move out and see what was happening.

It was observed that the aircraft emitted fire balls three times from its left engine and immediately had its speed reduced.  The aircraft made a return, landed at the international wing at about 9.45am, and was escorted by fire trucks while it taxied to MMA2 where the passengers onboard  disembarked.

Most of the passengers expressed shock over the incident when the pilot told them that the aircraft had a bird strike and had lost the left engine. They thanked God for saving their lives.

One of the passengers, Babatunde Adeleke, said he was not travelling again, though the airline was to make an alternative arrangement to fly them to Abuja. Another passenger, Victor Uzoeahi, said he was surprised about the incident.

On whether he was still willing to fly, he said, “No, no,  no, not now, thank God I am alive, I am going back home. I can’t travel again for now.”

Also on board the flight, an expatriate, Mr. Elim Karam, said he was warned by his wife not travel but he did not listen, adding that he did not even know anything was happening to the aircraft because he was “hanged off”.  He said, “I am still travelling. I have an appointment and there is no going back”.

Chief Executive Officer of Dana Air Mr. Jacky Hathiramani said, “Dana Air Flight 9J 995, en route Abuja from Lagos, suffered a bird strike shortly after take-off and, in line with the airline’s safety and service policy, the Captain made an emergency landing at MMIA, Lagos.”

According to Hathiramani, all 97 passengers and crew disembarked the aircraft safely, and the aircraft was taken to the hangar.

Most of the passengers he said were booked on alternative Dana Air flights to Abuja while a few who preferred a refund were given.

He added, “We would like to thank all the passengers onboard the flight for their cooperation and understanding, as well as the NCAA and all the airport authorities for their responsiveness and support”.