By Tonye Apiri
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken disciplinary action against the crew linked to last month’s road-landing incident in Asaba, pulling them off active duty in Nigeria’s airspace.
NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo, gave the hint on Wednesday while addressing journalists during the Airport Business Summit in Lagos. He said both the aircraft and its operators have been sanctioned while investigations continue.
The incident dates back to June when a private jet with registration N989BC, operated by VMO Aero Ltd, touched down on a road in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State. The aircraft had four crew members. After landing, it left the site and flew back to Lagos without the necessary regulatory clearance.
Najomo confirmed that the jet has been grounded and its Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) has been revoked pending further probe.
He said: “The investigation is still ongoing. Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has handed the investigation to us (the NCAA). We are doing our own investigation.
“As we speak, the aircraft is grounded. The Permit for Non-Commercial Flight is suspended.
“The pilots are suspended from flying in this airspace until we come up with our own investigation because, as a pilot for 45 years, I can’t see a road and land on the road.
“You will look at the other motives, too. The DSS got involved and they are investigating. Until that investigation comes out, it remains like that.”