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| Peace Boeing 737 after skidding off Port Harcourt runway with emergency stairs deployed |
Flight P47190 lifted from Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 6:40 a.m. and was due in Port Harcourt by 7:50 a.m. The jet carried nearly 150 seats and had a clean record on recent legs . Crew members saw wet patches early on approach. They slowed the plane as it met the runway threshold. Yet the rain-slicked pavement offered less grip than usual.
Airport officials say the rain fell in spurts just before the landing. Water pooled near runway lights and grooves. That soft layer cut friction and led the jet’s wheels to slide toward soft grass. The aircraft slowed safely in the mud, missing any hard structures.
Spokesperson Osifo-whiskey Efe of Air Peace said ground teams checked the plane right away. They found no harm to engines or landing gear. All 87 passengers and six crew members left via mobile stairs without rush. No one needed medical care .
Port Harcourt airport staff closed the affected runway for less than an hour. They cleared mud and reset runway lights. Flights resumed on time. The airport director noted that all safety checks had been met before reopening.
Aviation safety experts say runway excursions often tie to weather, tire wear, and runway surface condition. They urge frequent grooving of asphalt and strict water-drain checks. New runway friction meters can warn crews when grip falls below limits.
In its statement, Air Peace reiterated a long-term focus on safety. The airline said it follows both national rules and global best practice on crew training and runway checks. It noted regular friction tests and routine tire inspections before each flight.
Nigeria’s Accident Investigation Bureau will review the event. They will gather flight data and runway friction records. Their report will offer steps to curb similar slides in future wet seasons.
Port Harcourt International has seen other runway slides in recent years. In June 2019, a Boeing 737-500 from Abuja skidded off the same strip during heavy rain. All people on board walked away without injury . That event led to new drain upgrades and extra pilot briefings on wet-runway landings.
Air Peace itself has managed past incidents. Between 2016 and 2021, it logged several minor events, including cabin pressure losses and hard landings. None caused serious harm. The carrier says each event taught new safety lessons. It credits stronger crew coordination and tech upgrades for recent smooth operations .
Passengers aboard Flight P47190 praised the crew’s calm words and clear steps. One traveler said the cabin stayed quiet, and staff kept everyone informed. Another guest noted that quick checks brought them back on schedule.
Local aviation groups now call for clearer runway-wetness alerts. They suggest real-time displays in the tower and automatic runway-condition broadcasts to crews. This may cut the risk of runway slides nationwide.
In the wider industry, wet-runway excursions rank among top landing risks. Data shows over 1,000 such events globally each year. Most end without injury, but they can damage planes or delay airports. New tech—like laser runway-surface scanners—may help crews judge grip in seconds.
Air Peace is adding new jets and is set to launch long-haul routes soon. It says each new plane equips with advanced anti-skid brakes and wet-runway warning systems. The carrier hopes this will cut any future excursions to zero.
For now, Flight P47190’s run-in with wet grass serves as a reminder. A modern jet, trained crew, and fast runway checks kept everyone safe. Steps now under study aim to make such slides even rarer.
What safety steps would you like to see at wet airports? Share your views below and join the talk on tougher runway checks and clear tower alerts.