NCAA Investigates Aircraft That Made Emergency Landing Near Second Niger Bridge in Asaba, Delta State and Took Off Without Approval.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed an aviation incident involving a private aircraft that made an emergency landing on the under-construction Second Niger Bridge bypass access road in Asaba, Delta State, before departing the location without regulatory authorization.

In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the Authority disclosed that the aircraft encountered difficulties during its approach and landed on a roadway in Ogwashi-Uku, near Asaba, at approximately 7:43 a.m. local time on Wednesday.

According to the NCAA, all four crew members onboard safely evacuated the aircraft, and no injuries were reported.

Preliminary investigations revealed that after the emergency landing, the aircraft later departed the scene at about 11:02 GMT and proceeded to Lagos without obtaining the mandatory approval from aviation regulators.

The Authority noted that Air Traffic Control was only notified after the aircraft had already taken off, raising concerns about compliance with established aviation procedures.

The NCAA described the action as a breach of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs), adding that a full investigation has been initiated to determine the circumstances surrounding both the emergency landing and the unauthorized departure.

Upon arrival in Lagos, the aircraft was immediately grounded by regulatory authorities, while members of the flight crew were placed under review pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.

The agency also confirmed that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been notified of the incident.

In addition, the NCAA said it is collaborating with the aircraft operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to establish the facts surrounding the occurrence.

As part of its immediate response, the aviation regulator announced the suspension of the operator's Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) pending a detailed assessment of its operational practices, maintenance procedures, and safety compliance records.

The NCAA reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and regulatory oversight, assuring the public that appropriate actions would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

The Authority added that ensuring accountability and preventing similar incidents remain key priorities as efforts continue to strengthen safety within Nigeria's aviation sector.