Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has ordered a full-scale investigation after a private aircraft landed on a road under construction near Asaba and later flew to Lagos without regulatory clearance.
A bizarre aviation incident has triggered a major regulatory response after a private aircraft attempting to land at Asaba Airport reportedly touched down on a concrete road under construction before later taking off again without approval.
According to Daily Trust, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, describing it as a serious violation of aviation safety and security protocols.
Confirming the development, Keyamo said:
“I have received reports of the private aircraft that conducted a missed approach at approximately 7:43 a.m. local time this morning whilst attempting to land at the Asaba Airport and ended up landing on a concrete road still under construction in the Ogwashi-Uku area, near Asaba.”
He added that eyewitnesses confirmed all occupants exited safely and travelled to Asaba by road.
The bigger concern, however, came hours later.
According to the minister, the aircraft took off again at approximately 11:02 GMT and headed for Lagos before air traffic authorities were informed.
“In other words, the aircraft had no clearance to take off again,” Keyamo stated.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has since launched a regulatory review covering the emergency landing, the unauthorized departure, maintenance records, airworthiness documentation and operational procedures.
Security agencies have also taken custody of the crew members, who are reportedly assisting investigators.
For now, aviation authorities say every aspect of the unusual landing and unauthorized flight will be thoroughly examined, with further sanctions possible once investigations are concluded.
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