The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded a privately operated aircraft and launched an investigation following a dramatic emergency landing on a roadway near Asaba, Delta State.
According to preliminary details released by the Authority on Wednesday, the incident occurred on June 10, 2026, when the aircraft aborted its landing at Asaba Airport after executing a missed approach at about 7:43 a.m. local time.
The aircraft subsequently landed on a road in the Ogwashi-Uku area, raising concerns among aviation regulators.
However, all four crew members on board were safely evacuated from the aircraft and transported to Asaba by road, with no injuries reported.
In a development that has drawn regulatory scrutiny, the NCAA disclosed that the aircraft later departed the scene at approximately 11:02 GMT and flew back to Lagos without obtaining the required approval. Air Traffic Control, the Authority noted, was only informed after the aircraft had already taken off.
The NCAA described the action as a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations and confirmed that a full investigation is underway.
Upon its arrival in Lagos, the aircraft was immediately grounded, while the flight crew have been placed under regulatory review pending the outcome of ongoing inquiries.
The Authority also confirmed that it has notified the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and is working with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and the aircraft operator, to determine the circumstances surrounding both the emergency landing and the Unauthorised departure.
As part of its initial enforcement measures, the NCAA has suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF).
It added that a comprehensive audit of the aircraft’s operational, maintenance, airworthiness, and flight records is in progress, with further actions to be taken in line with aviation regulations.
The NCAA reiterated its commitment to ensuring strict compliance with safety standards and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation sector.