JUST IN: NCAA grounds private jet over unauthorised road landing in Delta

Nigeria's Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the operational permit of an airline operator following an incident where a privately operated aircraft landed on a roadway near Asaba, Delta State, and subsequently departed without authorization. The NCAA described the actions as a clear violation of aviation regulations.

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Available information indicates that the aircraft conducted a missed approach at approximately 0743 local time while attempting to land at Asaba. Subsequently, the aircraft reportedly landed on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba. Reports received from personnel at the scene indicate that all occupants safely exited the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road.

The incident began when the aircraft encountered difficulties during an attempted landing at Asaba Airport. It subsequently touched down on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area, drawing attention from aviation authorities and local residents. All four crew members on board reportedly exited the aircraft safely and were transported to Asaba by road.

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The aircraft had four (4) crew members on board. At this time, no injuries to passengers or crew have been reported.

Despite the emergency landing, no injuries were reported. However, the NCAA revealed that the aircraft later departed the roadway at approximately 1102 GMT and returned to Lagos without obtaining the necessary regulatory approval. Air traffic control was reportedly notified only after the aircraft had become airborne, constituting a significant infraction of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.

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Preliminary information available to the Authority indicates that the aircraft subsequently departed the location at approximately 1102 GMT and returned to Lagos without obtaining the requisite regulatory approval.

The NCAA has launched an investigation into the unauthorized departure and the circumstances surrounding the roadway landing. The suspension of the operator's permit is pending the outcome of this investigation, underscoring the authority's commitment to enforcing aviation safety and regulatory compliance.

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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 (Nig. CARs) and is currently under investigation by the Authority.