The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded a privately operated aircraft and suspended the operator's Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) following an emergency landing on a roadway near Asaba, Delta State.
According to a preliminary report released by the Director Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu on Wednesday, the aircraft encountered difficulties while attempting to land at Asaba Airport and conducted a missed approach at approximately 7:43 a.m. local time.
The aircraft subsequently landed on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba.
Initial reports indicate that all four crew members on board safely exited the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road. No injuries were reported.
However, the NCAA disclosed that the aircraft later departed the location and returned to Lagos without obtaining the necessary regulatory approval.
The Authority said preliminary information showed the aircraft took off at approximately 11:02 GMT and that Air Traffic Control was only informed after it had already become airborne.
The regulator described the action as a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) and confirmed that the incident is under investigation.
Upon the aircraft's arrival in Lagos, the NCAA immediately grounded it pending the outcome of its inquiries. The flight crew have also been placed under regulatory review.
The Authority said it has formally notified the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and is working with relevant stakeholders, including the aircraft operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), to determine the full circumstances surrounding the occurrence.
As part of the investigation, the NCAA will examine the aircraft's operational, maintenance, airworthiness and flight records and take further enforcement action where necessary in line with aviation regulations.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety, security and regulatory compliance across Nigeria's aviation sector.