Plane Lands On Asaba-Ogwashi-Uku Expressway Instead Of Airport, Takes Off Again Without Clearance; NCAA Grounds Aircraft, Suspends Operator’s Permit

Asaba, Delta State– A private aircraft on Wednesday landed on a road under construction along the Asaba-Ogwashi-Uku Expressway in Delta State instead of the designated runway at Asaba Airport before later taking off again from the same location without regulatory clearance, prompting swift action from aviation authorities.

Afrika Eyes gathered that the incident occurred on Wednesday morning when the aircraft, while attempting to land at Asaba Airport, reportedly conducted a missed approach and ended up touching down on a concrete road still under construction in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba.

The unusual landing sparked concern among aviation stakeholders and residents in the area, especially after reports emerged that the aircraft later departed the location and returned to Lagos without obtaining the necessary approvals from aviation regulators.

Reacting to the incident, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the occurrence in a statement, describing it as a serious breach of aviation regulations and security procedures.

Keyamo said he had received reports indicating that the aircraft landed on the road at about 7:43 a.m. local time.

“I have received reports of the private aircraft that conducted a missed approach at approximately 07:43 am local time this morning whilst attempting to land at the Asaba airport and ended up landing on a concrete road still under construction in the Ogwashi-Uku area, near Asaba.

“Happily, eye witnesses at the scene indicate that all occupants safely exited the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road. The aircraft had four (4) crew members on board and there were no injuries to them,” the minister said.

According to him, aviation authorities were later informed that the aircraft departed from the location several hours after the incident and flew back to Lagos without obtaining the required clearance.

“I am also informed that the aircraft subsequently departed the location at approximately 11:02 GMT and returned to Lagos without obtaining the requisite regulatory approval.

“I also understand that Air Traffic Control was notified only after the aircraft had become airborne. In other words, the aircraft had no clearance to take off again,” Keyamo stated.

The minister stressed that the Federal Government viewed the incident as a serious violation of aviation regulations and security protocols and had already directed immediate regulatory and enforcement actions.

He disclosed that upon arrival in Lagos, the aircraft was immediately grounded by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.

“Upon its arrival in Lagos, the NCAA immediately grounded the aircraft pending the outcome of its investigation,” he said.

Keyamo further revealed that the aviation regulator had commenced a comprehensive review of the flight and all circumstances surrounding both the unauthorized landing and subsequent departure.

“The NCAA has placed the flight under regulatory review while it conducts further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the occurrence and the subsequent unauthorized departure of the aircraft.

“The NCAA is coordinating with relevant aviation stakeholders, including the operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” he added.

As part of disciplinary measures already taken, the minister announced the suspension of the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF).

“The NCAA has suspended the operator’s permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF).

“The NCAA will also 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,” Keyamo said.

The minister also disclosed that security agencies had taken custody of the crew members involved in the incident and were assisting authorities with investigations.

“I have also spoken to relevant security agencies and I have been assured that the crew are in their custody and they are assisting them with their investigation,” he stated.