Aviation regulators warn airlines against overwriting flight recorders
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have warned flight crews and airlines to stop overwriting flight recorder data, saying the practice undermines accident investigations and aviation safety.
The warning was delivered on Wednesday in Lagos during a stakeholder workshop focused on preserving accident evidence and tackling substance use among aviation personnel. The event brought together regulators, airline operators, and safety experts.
NSIB Director General Capt. Alex Badeh (Jr) said cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders are critical to understanding the cause of incidents. He noted that when data is lost through overwriting, investigators are left with gaps that can prevent them from identifying what went wrong and how to avoid a repeat.
Badeh cited the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, which require that flight recorders be deactivated immediately after an accident or incident to preserve evidence. He also reminded operators of the rule prohibiting crew from consuming alcohol within eight hours of duty or using substances that impair performance. He said the pilot-in-command is ultimately responsible for ensuring crew members are fit to fly.
NCAA Director General Capt. Chris Najomo, represented by Engr. Ifeanyi Iteke, said accident investigations rely entirely on accurate and complete data. He disclosed that the NCAA has issued All Operators’ Letters to guide airlines on handling flight recorders, specifically to prevent the overwriting of cockpit voice recorder data.
He added that the Authority is currently investigating a recent case of CVR overwriting, and if culpability is found, enforcement action will follow. He described such action as necessary to serve as a deterrent across the industry.
Najomo also stressed the importance of medical fitness, warning that operating aircraft while unfit could have catastrophic consequences. He called for strict compliance with medical certification requirements, duty-time limits, and random checks by operators.
Both agencies called for stronger collaboration among regulators, airlines, and other stakeholders to improve compliance and build a stronger safety culture.
The workshop drew participants from airlines, aviation agencies, the military, law enforcement, pilot unions, and international partners.