The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the permit of a private aircraft operator after one of its aircraft reportedly landed on a roadway near Asaba, Delta State, and later flew to Lagos without obtaining regulatory approval.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, disclosed that the Authority received preliminary reports concerning an incident involving a privately operated aircraft in the vicinity of Asaba. However, the regulator did not reveal the identity of either the operator or the aircraft involved.
According to the NCAA, the aircraft experienced difficulties while attempting to land at Asaba Airport and executed a missed approach at about 7:43 a.m. local time.
The Authority stated that the aircraft subsequently landed on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba. Personnel at the scene reported that all occupants safely evacuated the aircraft and were transported by road to Asaba.
“The aircraft had four crew members on board. At this time, no injuries to passengers or crew have been reported,” the NCAA said.
The Authority further revealed that preliminary findings indicated the aircraft departed the roadside location at approximately 11:02 GMT and returned to Lagos without obtaining the required regulatory clearance.
According to the NCAA, Air Traffic Control was only informed after the aircraft had already become airborne, an action it described as a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs).
“The Authority has also been informed that Air Traffic Control was notified only after the aircraft had become airborne. This action constitutes a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations and is currently under investigation,” the statement noted.
Following the aircraft’s arrival in Lagos, the NCAA immediately grounded it pending the outcome of investigations. The flight crew have also been placed under regulatory review.
As part of its enforcement measures, the Authority announced the suspension of the operator’s permit for non-commercial flight operations while investigations continue.
The NCAA said it has formally notified the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and is collaborating with relevant aviation stakeholders, including the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the operator, to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Achimugu stated that investigators would examine all operational, maintenance, airworthiness, and flight-related records connected to the aircraft and operator, adding that further regulatory action would be taken where necessary in accordance with aviation laws.