NCAA grounds private jet over safety violations, suspends operator’s permit
Aircraft
CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA has grounded a private jet for safety violations
Information indicates that the aircraft conducted a missed approach at approximately 0743 local time while attempting to land at Asaba.
Subsequently, the aircraft reportedly landed on a roadway in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba.
According to a statement by the NCAA, their personnel at the scene indicates that all occupants safely exited the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road.
The aircraft had four (4) crew members on board and no injuries to passengers or crew
“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has received preliminary reports concerning an occurrence involving a privately operated aircraft in the vicinity of Asaba, Delta State, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026”
NCAA said preliminary information available indicates that the aircraft subsequently departed the location at approximately 1102 GMT and returned to Lagos without obtaining the requisite regulatory approval.
The Authority expressed concern that the aircraft did not notify Air Traffic Control until the aircraft had become airborne an action that constitutes a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) and is currently under investigation by the Authority.
Upon its arrival in Lagos, the NCAA immediately grounded the aircraft pending the outcome of its investigation.
The flight crew have been placed under regulatory review while the NCAA conducts further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the occurrence and the subsequent unauthorized 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 said it 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 remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety, security, and regulatory compliance within the Nigerian aviation sector.” Said, Michael Achimugu, director public affairs and consumer protection NCAA
