… Suspends operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial flight
…As investigation continues
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded an incident privately operated aircraft name witheld with four crew members that landed on a road in Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba, Delta State.
A statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA Michael Achimugu informed that the aircraft aircraft was grounded for departing without obtaining the requisite regulatory approval.
The Director said that NCAA received preliminary reports concerning an occurrence involving a privately operated aircraft in the vicinity of Asaba, Delta State, today Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
He said that preliminary information indicates that the aircraft conducted a missed approach at approximately 0743 local time while attempting to land at Asaba.
Subsequently, he said the aircraft reportedly landed on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba.
He said that reports received from personnel at the scene indicate that all occupants safely exited the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road.
The aircraft, the Director said had four (4) crew members on board, adding that at this time, no injuries to passengers or crew have been reported.
Preliminary information available to the authority, according to Achimugu indicates that the aircraft subsequently departed the location at approximately 1102 GMT and returned to Lagos without obtaining the requisite regulatory approval.
The Authority has also been informed that Air Traffic Control was notified only after the aircraft had become airborne.
This action constitutes a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) and is currently under investigation by the Authority.
On regulatory response by the NCAA, Achimugu noted that upon its arrival in Lagos, the NCAA immediately grounded the aircraft pending the outcome of its investigation.
He also said that the flight crew have been placed under regulatory review while the NCAA conducts further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the occurrence and the subsequent unauthorised departure of the aircraft.
The NCAA has formally notified the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) of the occurrence and is coordinating with relevant aviation stakeholders, including the operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
In the interim, the NCAA has suspended the operator’s permit for Non-Commercial flight (PNCF).
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 NCAA, Achimugu, said remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety, security, and regulatory compliance within the Nigerian aviation sector.
