The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded a private aircraft and suspended its operator’s permit following an unusual incident in which the aircraft landed on a highway in Delta State before departing again without regulatory approval.
The aircraft reportedly touched down on the Asaba–Ogwashi-Uku Expressway on Wednesday after aborting an approach to the Asaba International Airport.
According to reports, the aircraft was attempting to land at the airport when it carried out a missed approach and subsequently landed on a concrete section of the expressway that is currently under construction in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba.
The unexpected landing drew attention from residents and motorists who witnessed the aircraft descend onto the roadway instead of the airport runway.
Confirming the incident, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the aircraft landed safely on the road after the aborted landing attempt.
“I have received reports of the private aircraft that conducted a missed approach at approximately 07:43 am local time this morning whilst attempting to land at the Asaba airport and ended up landing on a concrete road still under construction in the Ogwashi-Uku area, near Asaba,” Keyamo said.
He added that all four crew members onboard safely exited the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road.
“Happily, eye witnesses at the scene indicate that all occupants safely exited the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road. The aircraft had four crew members on board and there were no injuries to them,” he stated.
However, the situation escalated when the aircraft reportedly departed the expressway and flew back to Lagos without obtaining the necessary regulatory clearance.
According to the minister, aviation authorities were informed only after the aircraft had already become airborne.
“I am also informed that the aircraft subsequently departed the location at approximately 11:02 GMT and returned to Lagos without obtaining the requisite regulatory approval.
“I also understand that Air Traffic Control was notified only after the aircraft had become airborne. In other words, the aircraft had no clearance to take off again,” he said.
Describing the development as a serious breach of aviation regulations and security procedures, Keyamo announced immediate enforcement measures by the NCAA.
The minister disclosed that the aircraft was grounded upon arrival in Lagos pending the outcome of an investigation.
He further revealed that the NCAA had suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) and commenced a comprehensive review of the aircraft’s operational records.
“The NCAA has placed the flight under regulatory review while it conducts further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the occurrence and the subsequent unauthorized departure of the aircraft,” he said.
According to Keyamo, aviation regulators are working closely with the aircraft operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to establish the full facts surrounding the incident.
“The NCAA is coordinating with relevant aviation stakeholders, including the operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” he added.
The minister noted that authorities would examine all airworthiness, maintenance, operational and flight-related documentation as part of the investigation and would impose further sanctions where necessary.
He also disclosed that security agencies have taken custody of the crew members and are assisting with ongoing investigations.
“I have also spoken to relevant security agencies and I have been assured that the crew are in their custody and they are assisting them with their investigation,” Keyamo said.
The incident has sparked concern within the aviation sector, with regulators expected to determine whether operational failures, procedural breaches or other factors contributed to both the emergency landing and the subsequent unauthorized takeoff.
