BREAKING: NCAA Suspends Pilots, Grounds Aircraft Over Unauthorized Delta Road Landing ‎

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the pilot and first officer of a private aircraft that landed on a road in Delta State, barring them from operating within Nigerian airspace pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

The Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, disclosed the development on Wednesday while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the Airport Business Summit in Lagos.

‎The incident occurred in June when a private jet, registered as N989BC and operated by VMO Aero Ltd, landed on a road in the Ogwashi-Uku area of Delta State. The aircraft, which had four crew members on board, later departed for Lagos without obtaining the required regulatory approval.‎

‎Najomo said the aircraft has been grounded, while its Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) has been suspended. He added that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had transferred the investigation to the NCAA, which is now leading the regulatory probe.

“The investigation is still ongoing. The NSIB has handed the investigation to us, and we are conducting our own inquiry. As we speak, the aircraft is grounded and its Permit for Non-Commercial Flight has been suspended,” he said.

According to the NCAA chief, both pilots will remain suspended from flying in Nigerian airspace until the investigation is concluded.

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‎”As a pilot with 45 years of experience, I cannot understand how anyone would see a road and decide to land there. We also have to examine other possible motives,” Najomo stated.

He further revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) is also investigating the incident, adding that the restrictions on the pilots and aircraft will remain in place until all investigations are completed.

‎The NCAA said the sanctions underscore its commitment to enforcing aviation safety regulations and ensuring accountability within Nigeria’s aviation sector.