NSIB, NCAA warn crew against overwriting flight data recorder

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have jointly cautioned flight crew and airline operators against the overwriting of critical flight recorder data, warning that such actions could compromise accident investigations and undermine aviation safety in the country. The warning was issued on Wednesday at the Aviation Stakeholder Engagement […]

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have jointly cautioned flight crew and airline operators against the overwriting of critical flight recorder data, warning that such actions could compromise accident investigations and undermine aviation safety in the country.

The warning was issued on Wednesday at the Aviation Stakeholder Engagement Workshop with the theme, “Preservation of Accident Investigation Evidence and Substance Use Among Aviation Personnel” organised by the NSIB in Lagos where regulators, operators, and safety experts gathered to address pressing issues in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Former Managing Director, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), USA, Mr. Dennis Jones and Capt. David Fielding, Chair International Peer Assist Aviation Coalition delivered keynote addresses at the workshop.

Speaking at the event, the Director General of NSIB, Capt. Alex Badeh (Jr), stressed that Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVRs) and Flight Data Recorders (FDRs) remain indispensable tools in uncovering the root causes of air incidents and accidents.

“These devices are the objective record of events in flight,” he said, adding, “Any loss of this data due to overwriting limits our ability to determine what went wrong, learn from it, and prevent a recurrence.”

Badeh cited provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig-CARs), particularly Part 7.8.1.3(b), which mandates that flight recorders must be deactivated immediately after an accident or incident to preserve recorded evidence.

He noted that failure to comply with these provisions weakens the integrity of investigations and ultimately puts lives at risk.

Badeh reiterated that impairment from alcohol, drugs, fatigue, or other factors could significantly affect judgment and reaction time, posing serious risks to flight safety.

Citing Nig-CARs Part 8.5.1.5, he reminded stakeholders of the strict “bottle-to-throttle” rule, which prohibits flight crew from consuming alcohol within eight hours before duty, as well as any use of psychoactive substances that could impair performance.

“The Pilot-in-Command bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring that no crew member is incapacitated before a flight,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, emphasised that accident and serious incident investigations are strictly evidence-based and depend on the availability of accurate and complete data.

“Such evidence must be preserved, factual, relevant, and thoroughly analysed to prevent reoccurrence,” said Najomo, represented by Engr. Ifeanyi Iteke, National Coordinator, State Safety Programme and General Manager, Air Operator Certification and Surveillance at the NCAA.

Najomo disclosed that the NCAA had gone beyond regulatory provisions by issuing All Operators’ Letters (AOLs) to guide airlines on proper procedures for handling flight recorders, particularly to prevent the overwriting of CVR data.

He further revealed that the Authority is currently conducting an enforcement investigation into a recent case involving the overwriting of a cockpit voice recorder.

“This enforcement action, if culpability is established, will serve as a deterrent not only to those involved but to the entire industry,” he added.

Najomo also underscored the importance of medical fitness, noting that no crew member is permitted to operate an aircraft if they are aware of any condition that could affect their ability to perform safely.

He described the operation of aircraft by medically unfit personnel as potentially catastrophic, stressing the need for strict adherence to medical certification requirements, duty-time limitations, and random checks by operators.

Both agencies highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among regulators, airlines, and other stakeholders to improve compliance, enhance reporting systems, and build a proactive safety culture.

They noted that the workshop was convened as part of ongoing efforts to address emerging safety challenges and reinforce adherence to global best practices, including standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Participants at the workshop included representatives of airlines, aviation agencies, the military, law enforcement, pilot unions, and international partners.