The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded a privately operated foreign registered aircraft N989BC and suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) following an incident near Asaba that is now under investigation.
According to preliminary information released by the CAA, the aircraft conducted a missed approach at about 0743 local time while attempting to land at Asaba Airport on Wednesday. The aircraft subsequently landed on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba.
The NCAA said reports from personnel at the scene indicated that all occupants exited the aircraft safely and were transported to Asaba by road. The aircraft had four crew members on board, and no injuries were reported.
In a statement issued by Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the Authority confirmed that it had commenced regulatory actions following the occurrence.
Available information also showed that the aircraft later departed the location and returned to Lagos without obtaining the required regulatory approval.
“The aircraft subsequently departed the location at approximately 1102 GMT and returned to Lagos without obtaining the requisite regulatory approval,” Achimugu stated.
He added that Air Traffic Control was informed only after the aircraft had already become airborne.
According to the NCAA, the unauthorised departure constitutes a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations and remains under investigation.
Asaba Incident Triggers Regulatory Action
Following the aircraft’s arrival in Lagos, the Authority immediately grounded it pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
The flight crew have also been placed under regulatory review as investigators seek to determine the circumstances surrounding both the emergency landing and the subsequent flight to Lagos.
In addition, the NCAA has suspended the operator’s PNCF pending the outcome of its inquiry. The regulator said it would review operational, maintenance, airworthiness and flight records as part of its statutory oversight responsibilities.
“The Authority will review all operational, airworthiness, maintenance, and flight-related records as part of its statutory responsibilities and will take further enforcement action in accordance with applicable aviation regulations,” the statement noted.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been formally notified of the occurrence. The NCAA said it is coordinating with relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the aircraft operator, to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Authority reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of aviation safety, security and regulatory compliance across the country’s aviation sector.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said he had been briefed on the development and welcomed reports that no lives were lost.
The Minister described the incident and the events that followed as a serious regulatory and security concern. He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to aviation safety and strict compliance with established procedures.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, security agencies are cooperating with aviation authorities as investigations continue.
The Ministry said the flight crew are assisting investigators and that a transparent process would be followed to determine the cause of the occurrence and any regulatory breaches.
While investigations remain ongoing, aviation stakeholders will be watching closely as regulators examine the circumstances that led to the Asaba incident and the aircraft’s subsequent unauthorised departure.
The findings of the investigation are expected to determine whether additional enforcement measures will be taken against the operator or other parties involved.
