The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded a privately operated aircraft for not obtaining the requisite regulatory approval before returning to Lagos from Ogwashi-Uku area Asaba , where it made an emergency landing on Wednesday.
In a preliminary report signed by l Michael Achimugu, Director Public Affairs & Consumer Protection for NCAA, it added that 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.
In the interim, the NCAA has suspended the operator’s permit for Non-Commercial flight (PNCF).
The Authority said it 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.
“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 remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety, security, and regulatory compliance within the Nigerian aviation sector.”, the statement reads in part.
Meanwhile, available information, according to the Authority indicates that the aircraft with four crew members on board, 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. Reports received from personnel at the scene indicate that all occupants safely exited the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road..
“Preliminary information available to the Authority 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. Upon its arrival in Lagos, the NCAA immediately grounded the aircraft pending the outcome of its investigation.”, it added.
