Air safety agency begins probe of Asaba roadway landing

Nigeria's air safety watchdog has launched an investigation into an incident where a Bombardier Challenger CL-601 aircraft landed on a roadway near Asaba Airport in Delta State. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed on Thursday that it has recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) from the aircraft, which is operated by VMO Aero Limited and registered as N989BC.

Investigators were immediately deployed to the site after the NSIB was notified of the occurrence, which happened on Wednesday during a flight from Lagos to Asaba. The recovery of the flight recorders is considered a crucial step in determining the sequence of events. The NSIB stated that these recorders will undergo detailed analysis, alongside the gathering of operational, maintenance, and air traffic control records pertinent to the flight.

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The immediate deployment of our investigative team and the recovery of the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder are critical steps that will help establish the facts of this incident.

In parallel, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken significant action. The NCAA grounded the aircraft, suspended the operator's Permit for Non-Commercial Flight, and placed the flight crew under review. This regulatory action stems from the aircraft's unauthorized landing on a roadway and its subsequent departure from Asaba without proper approval. The NSIB is collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure the investigation adheres to national and international standards, aiming to identify contributing factors and issue safety recommendations to prevent future occurrences.

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Our commitment remains the advancement of aviation safety in Nigeria.