NCAA Grounds Aircraft After Unauthorized Takeoff Following Emergency Landing in Asaba
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed an aircraft incident involving a private plane that made an emergency landing near Asaba, Delta State, and later departed the scene without regulatory authorization.
According to the NCAA, the aircraft missed its approach while attempting to land at about 7:43 a.m. local time on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, and subsequently landed on a roadway in Ogwashi-Uku, near Asaba.
All four crew members on board safely evacuated the aircraft, with no injuries reported.
However, preliminary investigations revealed that the aircraft later took off from the location at approximately 11:02 GMT and flew to Lagos without obtaining the required approval from aviation authorities. The NCAA noted that Air Traffic Control was only informed after the aircraft had already departed.
The regulatory body described the action as a violation of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) and has launched a full investigation into the incident.
Upon its arrival in Lagos, the aircraft was immediately grounded, while the crew members were placed under regulatory review pending the outcome of ongoing investigations into both the emergency landing and the unauthorized takeoff.
The NCAA further disclosed that it has notified the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and is working closely with the aircraft operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In addition, the Authority has suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) pending a comprehensive review of its operational and maintenance records.
The NCAA reiterated its commitment to ensuring strict compliance with aviation safety regulations and maintaining the highest standards of safety and security within Nigeria’s air transport sector.
