NCAA Probes Private Jet Over Unauthorised Departure, Others

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched a full investigation into a privately operated aircraft over a series of regulatory breaches, including a missed approach, an emergency landing on a roadway near Asaba, and an unauthorised departure back to Lagos without clearance.

In a preliminary report signed by the director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, said the incident occurred on Wednesday during an approach into Asaba when the aircraft, with four crew members on board, conducted a missed approach at about 0743 local time.

According to the Authority, the aircraft subsequently landed on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba. All occupants reportedly exited safely and were transported by road to Asaba.

However, the situation escalated further when the aircraft later departed the location at about 1102 GMT and returned to Lagos without obtaining the required regulatory approval.

The NCAA stated that Air Traffic Control was only notified after the aircraft had already become airborne, describing the action as a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.

Following the development, the NCAA immediately grounded the aircraft upon its arrival in Lagos and placed the flight crew under regulatory review.

The Authority also suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) pending the outcome of investigations.

The NCAA confirmed that it has formally notified the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and is working in coordination with relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

It added that all operational, airworthiness, maintenance, and flight records will be reviewed as part of its statutory oversight responsibilities, with further enforcement actions expected based on the findings.

“The Authority remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety, security, and regulatory compliance within the Nigerian aviation sector,” the statement added.