The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has flagged an invalid medical certificate held by a cabin crew member aboard a Triton Aviation jet whose door detached mid-air during a flight from Abuja to Lagos.
According to the bureau on Thursday, the finding was contained in the preliminary report on the October 15 incident involving a Bombardier Challenger 604, T7-SEI, which made an emergency landing in Abuja with nine persons on board.
The report revealed that the door indicator displayed an “UNLOCKED/RED” warning, while the internal and external handles and locking mechanisms were found in the open position.
The cabin crew member told investigators that the door opened as she approached it after the pilots instructed her to check its security.
“She did not touch the door,” the report stated, adding that some passengers could not recall seeing her touch it.
The pilots also reported receiving no audible or visual warning before the door detached during the initial climb.
The NSIB consequently directed Triton Aviation to ensure all crew members meet regulatory requirements for licensing, medical fitness and competency.
It also urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to strengthen oversight of non-commercial flight operators engaging cabin crew for safety duties.
The report said the detached door struck the aircraft’s lower fuselage, damaging a VHF antenna, although no door related fault was recorded in the aircraft’s maintenance diagnostic data.
During the final approach, the first officer reportedly unfastened his seat belt and attempted to close the door using the door-close button.
All nine occupants escaped unhurt after the aircraft landed safely on Runway 22.
The NSIB said further investigations would examine the door’s locking mechanism, flight data, cockpit voice recordings, maintenance history and crew training to determine the cause of the incident.
