NCAA grounds aircraft operator after emergency landing near Asaba

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded a privately operated aircraft and suspended the operator's Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF). This action follows the aircraft landing on a roadway near Asaba and leaving without proper clearance from authorities.

The incident happened on Wednesday morning in the Ogwashi-Uku area, not far from Asaba Airport.

Michael Achimugu, the director of public affairs and consumer protection, released a statement saying that early information showed the aircraft faced issues while trying to land at Asaba Airport. The pilot then carried out a missed approach.

"Reports from officials at the scene indicate that all occupants exited the aircraft safely and were conveyed to Asaba by road," Mr Achimugu stated.

The NCAA noted that there were four crew members on board during the incident.

However, the NCAA raised concerns since the aircraft took off from the scene and flew back to Lagos without getting approval from aviation authorities.

Traffic control officials were only notified after the aircraft had already left. The NCAA called this a violation of Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.

The NCAA has ordered that the aircraft be grounded immediately upon its return to Lagos. The flight crew is now under regulatory review while investigations continue.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has been informed about this incident. They are working with relevant parties, including the aircraft operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), to find out what happened during the landing and the later departure.

The investigation will look into the aircraft's operational records, airworthiness, maintenance history, and other flight-related documents. If any violations of aviation rules are found, more enforcement actions could follow.

This incident comes at a time when there is increased scrutiny in the Nigerian aviation sector. Authorities have been stressing the importance of strict compliance with safety procedures and operational regulations.

The NCAA has reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, security, and regulatory compliance in the industry.