FG Grounds Private Jet After Landing On Asaba–Ogwashi-Uku Expressway
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has sanctioned a private aircraft after landing on the Asaba–Ogwashi-Uku Expressway in Delta State on Wednesday instead of the Asaba International Airport.
The incident occurred when the aircraft, while attempting to land at the Asaba International Airport, conducted a missed approach and ended up landing on a concrete section of the Asaba–Ogwashi-Uku Expressway that is still under construction.
It later took off again from the road without regulatory clearance.
The unusual incident attracted widespread attention from residents and road users who witnessed the aircraft touch down on the roadway rather than the designated airport runway.
Reacting to the incident, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that the aircraft landed on the road in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba and later departed the location without obtaining the necessary regulatory approval.
In a statement, Keyamo said: "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."
According to the minister, although the emergency landing did not result in any casualties, the aircraft later took off from the expressway without receiving approval from aviation regulators.
Keyamo disclosed that authorities were informed that the aircraft departed the location at about 11:02 GMT and returned to Lagos despite lacking the required clearance for takeoff.
He said: "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 order words, the aircraft had no clearance to take off again."
Describing the development as a serious violation of aviation regulations and security protocols, the minister announced a series of immediate enforcement actions by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
According to him: "We view this incident as a serious breach of Regulations and security and the following actions have been taken: Upon its arrival in Lagos, the NCAA immediately grounded the aircraft pending the outcome of its investigation.
"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.
“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.
“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.”