ASABA: The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has grounded a private aircraft that made an emergency landing on the Asaba–Ogwashi-Uku Expressway in Delta State before taking off again without regulatory clearance, prompting an investigation into the incident.
The unusual occurrence happened on Wednesday after the aircraft reportedly missed its approach to the Asaba International Airport and landed on a concrete section of the under-construction expressway near Ogwashi-Uku, drawing attention from residents and motorists who witnessed the event.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the aircraft attempted to land at Asaba airport at about 7:43 a.m. local time but ended up on the roadway.
According to the minister, all four crew members on board safely evacuated the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road, with no injuries recorded.
However, Keyamo disclosed that the aircraft later departed the location and returned to Lagos without obtaining the required approval from aviation authorities.
He said air traffic controllers were informed only after the aircraft had become airborne, meaning it took off without clearance.
Describing the development as a serious breach of aviation regulations and security protocols, the minister announced that the NCAA immediately grounded the aircraft upon its arrival in Lagos.
He said the aircraft has been placed under regulatory review while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding both the emergency landing and the unauthorised departure.
Keyamo added that the NCAA is working with the aircraft operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency to determine what transpired.
He further disclosed that the authority had suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight and would review all operational, maintenance, airworthiness and flight records in line with its statutory responsibilities.
The minister also revealed that security agencies had taken custody of the crew members, who are assisting investigators.
Authorities have yet to disclose the identity of the aircraft operator or the factors that led to the missed approach.
