FG Probes Delta Jet Incident, Tightens Airstrip Surveillance

The Federal Government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the controversial landing of a private aircraft on an unfinished road in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, and is considering stricter surveillance measures for private airstrips and airports nationwide.

The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger CL-601 business jet, reportedly landed on the roadway near Asaba last week before departing the location without regulatory clearance, triggering concerns among aviation authorities and security agencies.

Investigations revealed that the aircraft, registered as N989BC, is owned by Best Aircraft Deals LLC of Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, and operated in Nigeria by VMO Aero Limited. The jet was manufactured in 1988 by Canadair Ltd and carries serial number 5021.

Sources familiar with the operation disclosed that both the captain and co-pilot on the flight were American nationals.

The incident has prompted inquiries by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and security agencies over reports that the aircraft landed on a public roadway, discharged passengers, and later departed without official authorization.

Aviation security consultant Olufemi Adeniji called for a thorough investigation into all individuals connected to the flight, stressing the need for enhanced monitoring of private aviation facilities across the country.

According to Adeniji, the aircraft’s departure from the roadway raises significant concerns about compliance with aviation regulations and security procedures.

He questioned how a fixed-wing aircraft could land and later take off from a public road without immediate intervention from security authorities, warning that the incident could have resulted in a major accident.

Adeniji urged the government to strengthen oversight of private airstrips and airports, particularly in light of Nigeria’s security challenges, adding that all passengers, crew members, and persons involved in coordinating the operation should be thoroughly investigated.

He also called for scrutiny of the aircraft’s cargo and passenger manifest to determine whether any prohibited items were being transported.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has directed a full-scale investigation into the occurrence, while reports indicate that the flight crew has been taken into custody for questioning.

The NCAA had earlier expressed concern after the aircraft reportedly flew from the roadway to Lagos without notifying air traffic controllers before departure. The agency said it was only informed after the aircraft was already airborne.

Following its arrival in Lagos, the NCAA grounded the aircraft, suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF), and placed the crew under regulatory review.

The NSIB has also intensified its investigation, confirming the recovery of both the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) from the aircraft.

NSIB Director-General, Alex Badeh Jr., said investigators have begun examining operational, maintenance, and air traffic control records linked to the flight.

According to him, data obtained from the aircraft’s recorders will assist investigators in establishing the sequence of events and determining whether established aviation safety procedures were followed.

The outcome of the investigations is expected to guide further regulatory and security measures within Nigeria’s aviation sector.