Keyamo Orders Investigation After Private Aircraft Lands on Road Near Asaba, Takes Off Without Clearance

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has condemned the unauthorised landing and subsequent takeoff of a private aircraft on a road near Asaba, describing the incident as a serious violation of aviation safety regulations and security procedures.

The minister disclosed that the aircraft has been grounded by aviation authorities pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the unusual occurrence.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Keyamo revealed that the aircraft was attempting to land at Asaba Airport when it reportedly aborted its approach and instead touched down on a concrete road still under construction in the Ogwashi-Uku area of Delta State.

According to the minister, the incident occurred at approximately 7:43 a.m. local time.

“I have received reports of the private aircraft that conducted a missed approach at approximately 7:43 a.m. local time while attempting to land at Asaba Airport and ended up landing on a concrete road under construction in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba,” he said.

Crew Members Escape Unhurt

Despite the unusual landing, Keyamo said all four crew members on board safely exited the aircraft without sustaining any injuries.

Eyewitnesses reportedly assisted in ensuring the occupants were transported by road to Asaba after the incident.

The minister noted that the safe evacuation of the crew prevented what could have become a major aviation disaster.

Aircraft Departed Without Regulatory Approval

However, authorities became concerned after discovering that the aircraft later departed from the location and flew to Lagos without obtaining the necessary approvals from aviation regulators.

According to Keyamo, the aircraft took off at approximately 11:02 GMT, while air traffic authorities were only informed after it had already become airborne.

“In other words, the aircraft had no clearance to take off again,” the minister stated.

The development has raised significant questions regarding compliance with established aviation procedures and the circumstances under which the aircraft was able to resume operations following the emergency landing.

NCAA Grounds Aircraft, Suspends Operator’s Permit

The minister disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) swiftly responded by grounding the aircraft immediately after its arrival in Lagos.

He explained that the regulator has opened a formal investigation into both the emergency landing and the subsequent unauthorised flight.

As part of the enforcement measures already taken, the NCAA has suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) pending the conclusion of its review.

The authority will also examine the aircraft’s operational records, maintenance history, airworthiness documentation, flight logs, and other relevant records to determine whether additional violations occurred.

According to Keyamo, the investigation is being carried out in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the aircraft operator and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

Security Agencies Interrogate Crew

The minister further revealed that he had contacted security agencies regarding the incident and was informed that the crew members are currently in custody and assisting investigators.

He stressed that the Federal Government remains committed to enforcing aviation safety standards and ensuring that all operators comply strictly with established regulations.

“The NCAA will take further enforcement action in accordance with applicable aviation regulations,” Keyamo said.

The incident has generated concern within the aviation sector, with experts expected to closely monitor the outcome of the investigation, particularly regarding how the aircraft landed on a public roadway and subsequently departed without receiving the required regulatory clearance.