NCAA Grounds Aircraft After Unauthorized Departure Following Missed Approach in Asaba

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the operator’s permit and grounded a private aircraft that left an incident site near Asaba without the required regulatory approval.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo said the aircraft was involved in an incident at about 7:43 a.m. local time while attempting to land at Asaba Airport. The aircraft reportedly executed a missed approach and then landed on a concrete road under construction in the Ogwashi‑Uku area, close to Asaba.

Keyamo noted that four crew members were aboard and that no injuries were reported. Reports from the scene confirmed that all individuals on board exited the aircraft safely and were transported to Asaba by road.

The minister added that the aircraft departed the site at approximately 11:02 GMT and returned to Lagos without securing the necessary regulatory approval.

“I have also been informed that the aircraft subsequently left the site at around 11:02 GMT and made its way back to Lagos without obtaining the required regulatory clearance,” he said.

“Additionally, I understand that Air Traffic Control was only notified after the aircraft had taken off. In essence, the aircraft did not have permission to take off again,” he continued.

Keyamo described the incident as a serious violation of aviation regulations and security protocols.

He said the NCAA grounded the aircraft immediately upon its arrival in Lagos, pending the results of an investigation. The authority has also placed the flight under regulatory review and is scrutinizing the circumstances surrounding both the landing incident and the aircraft’s subsequent departure.

The minister confirmed that the NCAA is working with the aircraft operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency to determine the full details of the incident.

He added that the NCAA has suspended the operator’s Permit for Non‑Commercial Flight (PNCF) and will review operational, maintenance, airworthiness, and flight records as part of its inquiry.

“The NCAA will also examine all operational, airworthiness, maintenance, and flight‑related records as part of its statutory duties and will take additional enforcement actions in accordance with relevant aviation regulations,” he stated.

Keyamo said security agencies have taken custody of the crew and are assisting with the ongoing investigations.

“I have also communicated with the pertinent security agencies and have been assured that the crew are in their custody and are assisting them with their investigation,” he mentioned.

Investigations into the incident are continuing, with aviation regulators and security agencies expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s landing and subsequent departure from the site.