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

File Photo: The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection to the NCAA, Michael Achimugu.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the operational permit of an airline operator after one of its aircraft reportedly landed on a roadway near Asaba, Delta State, and later departed the scene without obtaining regulatory approval, an act the regulators described as a violation of aviation regulations. This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, saying the CAA had received preliminary reports concerning an occurrence involving a privately operated aircraft in the vicinity of Asaba. However, the regulator refused to mention either the operators or the airline’s name. According to the Authority, the incident began when the aircraft encountered difficulties while attempting to land at Asaba Airport. The regulator further disclosed that following the aborted landing attempt, the aircraft touched down on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba, an unusual development that immediately drew the attention of aviation authorities and local residents. The NCAA said, “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.” Despite the emergency situation, the NCAA said there were no casualties, noting that the aircraft had only four crew members on board. “The aircraft had four (4) crew members on board. At this time, no injuries to passengers or crew have been reported,” the Authority said. Providing details of the alleged incident, the Authority stated, “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 further revealed that air traffic authorities were not informed before the flight departed. Related News Delta senator, ex-SSG not on crashed Warri train, says NRC Oborevwori reaffirms inclusive governance, promises more development for Delta communities FG confirms four dead, 24 injured in Warri-Itakpe train derailment Describing the action as a clear infraction of existing regulations, the Authority stressed that the unauthorised departure is now under investigation. “T